Almost half of Kilkenny’s train services stopped in their tracks
Train services to and from Kilkenny have been severely curtailed with almost half of all services cancelled for the foreseeable future.
Irish Rail is operating a greatly reduced schedule to and from MacDonagh Junction and Thomastown stations in response to the more stringent level 5 restrictions recently announced by Government.
It has reduced the 14 scheduled services operating from MacDonagh Junction daily to just six. There are just four daily trains departing to and from Kilkenny to Dublin.
The services temporarily removed by Irish Rail include the 1.15pm, 3.10pm and 5.35pm services to the city from Dublin. The 7.50am, 11am and 2.50pm from Kilkenny to Dublin have also been temporarily axed.
An Irish Rail spokespersonsaid: “The revised schedule reflects significantly reduced demand and will ensure service continuity and resilience for essential workers and carers who must travel.
“Additionally, to effectively manage the 25% capacity available for use, the requirement to pre-book Intercity travel, in place over the Christmas and New Year period, is extended until further notice.”
Customers are also reminded that under current COVID-19 measures; only those travelling for essential purposes should travel by rail; wearing of face coverings is mandatory on board and in stations; avoid using cash wherever possible; and catering services remain suspended on board Intercity.
