No catering service

[skinner75]

I just received an email from IE regarding catering on Intercity services:

 

On board catering services update

Iarnród Éireann regrets to inform customers that our catering provider, RailGourmet has advised that it is no longer able to provide catering services on Iarnród Éireann’s Intercity network.

This is despite extensive efforts by both Iarnród Éireann and RailGourmet to see on-board catering services resume, following their enforced absence for two years of the pandemic.  Since the lifting of face covering regulations in February 2022, RailGourmet has not been able to resume services, primarily due to the challenges in resolving staffing issues, and significant additional costs.

As a result, a termination of the contract with RailGourmet has been agreed, and catering services will remain suspended.  (Catering services on the Dublin / Belfast Enterprise train, under a separate contract with Corporate Catering Services Ltd, are continuing to operate on a limited basis.)

We will quickly commence the process to tender for a new catering contract.  However, this will mean that catering services are unlikely to be available on board until at least early 2023.

We sincerely apologise to customers who will be inconvenienced by this and we look forward to returning the on-board catering service to you as soon as we can. 

Meanwhile 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.

Customers planning a substantial Intercity journey should be aware especially those making early morning trips and in general for travel over the summer months.

[Blaine]

 

Best bring your own food and drink, like you always did

Edited May 16, 2022 by Blaine

[skinner75]

Saturday was my first time taking the train in maybe 3~5 years - Athlone to Newbridge. Had to change in Portarlington, and noted three locos in the ballast sidings - 086 , and two 201s - one of which was started up while I was waiting.

 

 

[jhb171achill]

The IE catering staff were almost all foreign, mostly Polish. I knew quite a few of them and I’m aware many went home during the covid. I daresay this is what’s afflicting the caterers.

[Niles]

1 hour ago, jhb171achill said:

The IE catering staff were almost all foreign, mostly Polish. I knew quite a few of them and I’m aware many went home during the covid. I daresay this is what’s afflicting the caterers.

Indeed, the hospitality sector in general has been affected like this. I deal with a few hotels in work and there's been a sudden spike in recruitment drives.

[connollystn]

I used to buy tea and an Aero bar of chocolate until they made the cups considerably smaller, felt like I was being ripped off. I certainly don't miss the catering service.

[Galteemore]

Trolley service is ok and will  indeed be missed by some, but this is what real on train catering means ….I hope it does come back on IE.

Edited May 16, 2022 by Galteemore

[Westcorkrailway]

3 hours ago, Niles said:

Indeed, the hospitality sector in general has been affected like this. I deal with a few hotels in work and there's been a sudden spike in recruitment drives.

The only jobs for young fellas out this corner of the country is working the deli in a supermarket. 
 

25 minutes ago, Galteemore said:

Trolley service is ok and will  indeed be missed by some, but this is what real on train catering means ….I hope it does come back on IE.

Indeed, you can’t exactly buy that in the centra near the station 

[jhb171achill]

41 minutes ago, Galteemore said:

Trolley service is ok and will  indeed be missed by some, but this is what real on train catering means ….I hope it does come back on IE.

THAT's not catering - there are BEANS on it!!!  The horrors.........!

1 hour ago, connollystn said:

I used to buy tea and an Aero bar of chocolate until they made the cups considerably smaller, felt like I was being ripped off. I certainly don't miss the catering service.

Yes, but they did put extra air bubbles in the Aero to compensate.........

[Galteemore]

In certain regiments of the British Army @jhb171achillbeans are regarded as ‘not being an officer’s vegetable’. Here you are then….

Edited May 16, 2022 by Galteemore

[minister_for_hardship]

Not really missing the overpriced refreshments either, I'll bring my own thanks. Bringing in contractors has been a race to the bottom.

[jhb171achill]

3 hours ago, Galteemore said:

In certain regiments of the British Army @jhb171achillbeans are regarded as ‘not being an officer’s vegetable’. Here you are then….

Now that’s a suitably civilised breakfast!