Mark Ward
Question:182. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport when catering facilities will resume on the Dublin to Cork train; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63787/22]
View answerWednesday, 18 January 2023
Questions (182)
Written answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy regarding the resumption of catering services on board Iarnród Éireann intercity rail services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
I also understand that many of the stations on the Intercity network have existing retail / catering facilities available for customers, and Iarnród Éireann have advised that they will work with CIÉ Property in the interim period to further enhance, where possible, station-based retail and catering options for customers while also working towards the resumption of on-board catering as soon as possible.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
I refer to your Parliamentary Question 63787/22 below to Mr. Eamon Ryan, T.D., Minister for Transport, which has been passed to me to respond directly. Dail Question No: 182 To ask the Minister for Transport when catering facilities will resume on the Dublin to Cork train; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Iarnród Éireann continues to work to restore catering services on board. COVID regulations had prevented catering from being offered on board up to February of 2022. This was one factor which resulted unfortunately in the previous catering provider, RailGourmet, to withdraw from its contract with Iarnród Éireann earlier this year, with staffing challenges and costs impacting on their ability to provide the service. Iarnród Éireann has been engaging with suppliers in the market, and to try at least resume an interim service back on board where some services are covered. The same issues are still there which caused the last provider to withdraw - staffing and costs. What might not be understood is that Iarnród Éireann pays its catering provider to operate the service, rather than the other way around, and costs coming back in our market engagement are significantly higher than previously. The company is working with the NTA under the terms of its PSO contract and ensuring what it does in getting an interim provider meet procurement rules. Many of our Intercity stations have existing retail / catering facilities available for customers, and Iarnród Éireann will work with CIÉ Property in the interim to further enhance, where possible, station based retail and catering options for customers. We apologise for the inconvenience and look forward to the resumption of on-board catering as soon as possible.