Irish Rail has confirmed that its beloved trolley service won’t be returning just yet as Ireland’s restrictions ease.
Although the government confirmed on Friday evening that the vast majority of measures would be dropped from 6:00 am on Saturday, rules in place onboard trains remain the same.
This means that masks can only be removed in transit if people are taking medication - whereas they cannot be removed to eat or drink.
A spokesperson for Irish Rail gave the update and said: "We will act on the advice of both the HSE when it comes to the reintroduction of catering onboard our services.
"The regulation governing face coverings on public transport does not provide for the removal of face coverings to eat and drink, but to take medication only currently."
The refreshments trolley has been out of action throughout Covid - much to the disappointment of passengers - in line with efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19.
However, today the people of Ireland have been rejoicing over the latest easing in restrictions.
Aside from three vital rules remaining in place to keep transmission down in the community all else will be eased over the coming days.
Restrictions remaining in place are:
- Wearing masks in stores and on public transport
- The use of the Digital Covid Cert for international travel
- Self-isolation in the case of developing Covid symptoms
This means that as of 6:00 am this morning the following rules were removed:
- guidance in relation to household visiting
- early closing time for hospitality and events
- capacity restrictions for outdoor events, including sporting fixtures
- capacity restrictions for indoor events, including weddings
- sectoral protective measures
- restrictions on nightclubs
- requirements to have a valid Digital Covid Certificate to enter various premises will be removed
Then from Monday, January 24, there will be a return to the office on a phased basis appropriate to each sector.
