Limited space for bikes on trains hits tourism

Iarnród Éireann has been accused of hindering tourism ­spin-off from a major 82-mile cycling event in Clare next August, by only allowing a handful of bicycles to be transported on their trains. The charge was levelled in the Seanad by Labour Senator Ivana Bacik, who has called for a change in the policy by Irish Rail regarding the carriage of bicycles on trains.
Over 2,000 cyclists are expected to flock to Clare on August 22 for the first Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, an event which will involve the closure of 80kms of roads around the Clare coastline.
Noting the large numbers of people coming to Ireland from abroad for cycling holidays and the increased popularity of cycling events like the Burren Cycle, Senator Bacik said Iarnród Éireann need to do everything it could to maximise jobs in the tourism industry and to encourage visitors to Ireland.
“Irish Rail have adopted a policy of not allowing more than a handful of bicycles to be transported on each of their trains – a change from previous policy where bikes were carried in the guards’ van.
“This policy is very short-sighted and misguided of Irish Rail. It will seriously disadvantage the many visitors from abroad who wish to take part in cycling events like the Sky Ride, or who just want to have a cycling holiday.
“It will also discourage many Irish people from taking weekends away with their bicycles; and it will mean an unnecessary increased reliance on the car as a form of transport.
“As a cyclist myself, I call upon Irish Rail to accommodate bicycles on their trains as a matter of course without the restrictions they are currently imposing,” she said.
Iarnród Éireann spokesman Barry Kenny pointed out the renewal of their fleet in recent years has resulted in greater quality and comfort for rail passengers, and service expansions.
“The new Intercity fleet are railcar trains – that is, they are not hauled by a locomotive, but instead have an integral engine for each carriage.  This gives better performance and reliability to our services.
“Guards’ vans existed on old loco-hauled trains primarily as generator vans for light and heat, with additional space available.  Railcars have engines integral to the carriage covering light and heat.
“Our priority in the new trains was to maximise seating. We did modify the carriages to ensure three bicycles can be carried per three-carriage train.
“This meets demand levels in the vast majority of situation,” he said.
He explained the company is preparing to facilitate online booking for bicycle spaces and have also a range of partnerships with bicycle hire shops to allow hire at discounted rates.