Marked increase in numbers travelling by train from Tullamore and Clara

The numbers of passengers using Tullamore and Clara railway stations continues to rise with more people making use of public transport to commute to work or for leisure.

Figures from Irish Rail reveal that in 2023 there were 420,356 journeys made from Tullamore station. In 2024 that figure rose to 457,708 an increase of almost 9%.

24 additional services have been added since last August. Four Monday to Friday and two on Saturdays and Sundays.

Previously there were 185 services per week from Tullamore railway station. Now there are 209.

In 2023 there were 68,558 journeys made to and from Clara. In 2024 that figure rose to 81,532 an increase of almost 19%.

Clara gained an additional 19 services per week since the timetable change last August. The station has gone from 144 to 163 services per week.

Meanwhile, hopes are high that catering services may soon return. Irish rail says ''the tender process for catering services for the national network has progressed and is at an advanced stage, with costs established. Any contract award is subject to NTA funding, and this is with the National Transport Authority for funding decision.''

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Onboard catering was cancelled during Covid and hasn't returned. However, there is a trolley service on Dublin to Cork services. Vending machines had been suggested but this has now been abandoned due to compatibility issues.