Pensioner and woman suffering from cancer left to stand on Carlow train to Dublin

A councillor has lamented the “old-fashioned idea of being a gentleman” after an 88-year-old man and a woman receiving treatment for cancer were forced to stand on the Carlow train to Dublin.

Cllr John Pender raised an issue at the July meeting of Carlow Municipal District and highlighted two incidents where people were on the Carlow train service to Heuston.

He said there is a lack of capacity on the train service and an 88-year-old man had to stand all the way to Heuston while another woman – who was receiving treatment for cancer – became weak at Kildare and had to sit on the floor between carriages.

Cllr Pender proposed writing to Irish Rail calling for extra capacity on the Waterford to Heuston train service at certain times.

He added that “such is the success” of the service and it is great for the town.

Cllr Pender told the members that the “old fashioned idea of being a gentleman is gone now” and that people giving up their is gone out of fashion.

“Maybe I'll get into trouble for saying this...but I think there is a lack of common decency among some people now,” he added.

Cllr Pender's proposal was seconded by Cllr Andrea Dalton who supported “additional carriages and additional car parking spaces”.

Cllr Walter Lacey said when you book a seat on a train you have to “fight your corner” and said it's a “farce”.

“When you get your seat on an airplace, you get your seat,” he added. Cllr Fintan Phelan said there was not enough capacity at certain hours and trains were “absolutely packed”.

While Cllr Jim Deane said it was “a better service in the 1950s” and that it was “a disgrace the way Irish Rail are running the business”.

Cllr Fergal Browne also proposed that they Irish Rail spokesperson, Barry Kenny, to come before members and all proposals were passed with a show of hands.