Irish Rail apology for tunnel closure

Irish Rail has issued an apology after scores of passengers were left stranded and others walked across tracks when they were unable to access the Sligo to Dublin train on Sunday evening because the underground tunnel at Mullingar Train Station was locked.

The 4.30pm Sligo to Connolly train stopped at platform two, the platform furthest away from the entrance to the station. When surprised passengers tried to access the underground tunnel they found that it was locked. A number of passengers crossed the track in an attempt to catch the train before its departure.

In a statement to the Westmeath Examiner, Irish Rail said that the tunnel was closed due to an “operational error”.

“We apologise to customers for the fact the platform was not accessible and the resulting delay. Due to an operational error, the tunnel was locked at the time the 16:30hrs Sligo to Connolly arrived at Mullingar Station. While a small number of people did cross the line, most did not.

“The issue was alerted to our Central Control, a staff member attended the station to open the gate, and the train returned to Mullingar Station for the remaining customers. The train ultimately departed with a 40-minute delay as a result.

“If a customer made alternative travel arrangements as a result, they should contact our Customer Care team directly for refund arrangements.”

The Westmeath Examiner was contacted on social media by the parent of one young passenger, whose travel plans were disrupted by the mix-up.

“Basically our national train company can’t seem to organise themselves to know which side of the platform a train will arrive. Passengers disembarking had to do so by climbing down from the platform to the tracks and back up to the platform to exit.

“Lots paid for the train and then couldn’t get on it. There were no staff at Mullingar and locking the gate at the underground tunnel meant no one could access the opposite platform when the train pulled up at that platform. Everyone was stuck; cue mass breaches of health and safety. My daughter had to, along with many others, walk outside after the train departed without them, get a bus and pay again.”