To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how a Stage 4 cancer patient, with a time limited prognosis, who had specifically paid for a seat on an Enterprise service from Connolly Train Station on 5 May 2026 was left standing in the aisle and was not provided any assistance.

This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:

The train due to operate the 1650 hours from Dublin on Tuesday 05 May 2026 experienced mechanical issues (door fault) whilst in service earlier that day. In an effort to provide continuity of service to passengers, and not cancel the service, an alternative train was sourced albeit a non-Enterprise train with reduced capacity and facilities. This information was posted on Irish Rail social media from 1249 hours and reposted by Translink social media to give passengers the opportunity to decide to travel on this reduced service or travel on an earlier/later train.

All trains in service have priority seating for passengers who have additional needs. As the train was extremely busy, the Train Manager could not make their way through the train however on arrival at Drogheda the Train Manager made their way down the outside of the train, boarding at each door to offer assistance and apologise for the inconvenience.

Whilst the service was crewed by NI Railways, under the terms of the Passenger Charter, refund requests should be made to the Company from whom your ticket was purchased. Translink understanding is the passenger purchased their ticket from Iarnród Éireann and were directed to make their claim through them directly. Translink is disappointed that this message does not appear to have been relayed appropriately and professionally and Translink is happy to reach out to the passenger for further information and offer its apologies.