Good uptake of passengers on inaugural 6.50am train from Tullamore to Galway this morning

Fifteen passengers boarded the inaugural 6.50am train service from Tullamore to Galway this morning Monday December 12. A few more joined the train at Clara. Prior to this the same train began its journey in Athlone by-passing Tullamore. 

Irish Rail say the service was introduced as a result of customer feedback.

''It gives people a commuting option to get to Galway earlier,'' a spokesperson said.

Additional train services were also due to come into operation this morning including added trains around the Dublin commuter belt to and from Newbridge, Hazelhatch and Kilcoole. There are also extra services from Mayo and Carolow introduced.

Improvements to journey times have been made on the Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh line.

More and more people are using trains to reach their destinations. Irish Rail have implemented some improvements including quieter carriages on their Heuston to Cork line. The quieter carriages were reintroduced both to improve services for customers with sensory issues, and to provide choice to all customers, following public feedback.

The quiet carriage (carriage G) is now bookable online for the first time and the carriage is clearly marked with quiet carriage purple branding when booking online and also on the outside of the carriage.

Catering is still not available on trains and many commuters say they would be delighted if it was reintroduced, especially those travelling in the early hours of the morning.