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25th Jul 2022

Irish Rail apologises to customers over distressing conditions and disruptions

Kat O'Connor

Irish Rail has issued an apology after passengers were left stranded on Sunday.

The 1.45 pm Connolly/Bray train was forced to stop after multiple passengers forced the door open. The train couldn’t continue because passengers were walking on the tracks.

Services were suspended due to this as it wasn’t safe for the train to pass until all passengers were off the tracks.

Dart services were overwhelmed yesterday due to the All-Ireland, as well as the Bray Air Show.

Barry Kenny, Communications Officer for Irish Rail issued an apology to all customers affected by yesterday’s incident.

He told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland: “We obviously apologise to people that were caught up in what was a very distressing situation.”

He explained that the ‘extreme heat’ onboard was because the train had stopped. Mr. Kenny stressed that all trains either have air conditioning or windows.

“On that Dart, a small number of people pushed open a door, notwithstanding the fact it was literally a couple of minutes until the Dart was going to proceed onto the platform.

He explained that trains couldn’t operate until the track was clear.

It is believed emergency services and Gardaí had to assist the people on the track.

“This then caused a knock-on effect because the delay became definite.”

“The conditions were very difficult, it was very busy on board, and it was a warm day as well.

“Others then decided, because of the delay and indeed because of genuine concern, to leave the train.”

“We had an uncontrolled number of people on the line.”

Mr. Kenny confirmed that an investigation into yesterday’s incident is underway.

Read more: “Setting the record straight”: Father shares details of yesterday’s Dart ordeal

Topics:

DART,irish news