Mechanical train fault in Newbridge led to 'significant delays' for rail passengers

Irish Rail has apologised to passengers that were faced with significant delays in Portarlington on Wednesday evening due to a mechanic fault on one of their trains. 

Passengers on the 19.00 Heuston to Cork train who were stranded at Portarlington took to social media to praise a taxi driver who transferred them on to Portlaoise due to the delays. 

In a statement to Leinster Express/Laois Live a spokesperson for Irish Rail said: "We apologise to customers affected by this significant delay yesterday evening. 

"The locomotive on the train experienced a mechanical fault at Newbridge, which ultimately resulted in a replacement locomotive having to be arranged. 

"This assisting loco moved the train in the first instance to Kildare, and then replaced the locomotive with the fault to enable the journey to continue.

 "Our Train Host and other crew on board made announcements and walked through the train on multiple occasions to keep customers updated. 

"Free catering was provided from the trolley while available, and additional water was brought on to the train at Portlaoise, and provided to all customers.

 "We had Customer Service staff at arrival stations to arrange taxis etc to bring customers to their home destination where required, if they had missed connections. 

"All customers will also receive a full refund given the extent of the delay."