Bikes on trains - Ireland

[Alan]

Irish intercity trains have similar facilities to the old British loco-hauled stock - crucially, a large luggage van with plenty of room for bikes. This is about to change, as Iarnród Éireann replace them with diesel multiple units. The first affected line is Dublin to Sligo, we used it earlier this year to get our bikes to Carrick-on-Shannon for the Kingfisher Trail, but that option will not be possible for anyone intending to ride it next year.

New trains lack facilities of old
Sligo Weekender - Tuesday, October 18, 2005

THE new trains being introduced on the Sligo-Dublin line will lack many of the facilities and capabilities of the 30-year-old rolling stock they are replacing, it has been claimed.
Among what TD John Perry has described as “obvious faults” are less space and more noise in carriages, fewer toilets, no hot food and less catering facilities, no room for bikes and less space for luggage.
The Fine Gael deputy raised the matter in the Dail but said he was “just fobbed off’ by Transport Minister Martin Cullen, who told him that it was an “operational issue for Iarnród Éireann to consider”.
“While I am obviously delighted at some of the very strong benefits of the new carriages, especially those which affect disabled passengers, it is very disheartening to see that the old carriages were superior in many ways.”
He pointed out that the new carriages only come in sets of four which means that if more than one set of four is used passengers and staff cannot move from one end of the train to another, as there is no connection between each set of carriages.
“While a trolley service will be available, it will not be able to travel from one end of the train to the other if more than four carriages are being used.”
He also pointed out that on the old trains there was a bar service and there were hot and cold snacks available but hot snacks could not be possible on the new trains as there will be no kitchen.
Mr Perry also said that there will be no luggage van, so bicycles will not be able to be carried and there would less capacity for luggage.
Pointing out that the new trains will consist of sets of two chairs, with passengers being faced against the back of the chair in front (like a bus), he said this will unfortunately mean that there will be a distinct lack of table space for passengers.
“While this arrangement may suit those on short journeys, those travelling from Sligo to Dublin will probably notice a distinct amount of discomfort.
He said there were many things to be applauded on the new service, most notably that five trains will be available in each direction daily. “I also particularly welcome new measures, which will increase the comfort and safety of mobility and sensory impaired customers.”