Iarnród Éireann is currently replacing the Wi-Fi infrastructure on its Intercity train fleet.

Passengers have long complained about the speed of the train line's internet services; however, on The Hard Shoulder with Ivan Yates this afternoon, company spokesperson Barry Kenny said the system is being upgraded.

“The Intercity Wi-fi is being replaced as we speak – and there has been a very, very positive response to the improvements there,” he said.

“The DART will be coming after that so we will be upgrading the DART as well.

“We are fitting those trains with new equipment […] It has been happening over recent months and continuing through this year.”

Onboard Customer Service Officer

It comes after the train service launched a recruitment drive for up to 50 Onboard Customer Service Officers.

Mr Kenny said the company wanted to ensure passengers have access to customer service staff throughout their journeys.

“You could be on a two-and-a-half to three-hour journey with us and sometimes the catering attendant will be the only person you meet onboard,” he said.

“Obviously you are only in the station for a few minutes and you are on a journey for a longer period of time, so we wanted to improve the customer service on board.”

Customer care

The new staff will be on-hand to deal with travel information and assistance with baggage, wheelchairs and seat reservations.

They will not be asked to take on any security function.

“They will be able to see if there is an issue developing and obviously people on board can refer the issue to them,” said Mr Kenny.

“But we don’t want them to get into a conflict situation. They will be able to call on our own private security teams or the Gardaí as necessary.

“Obviously if it is something where people are being threatening, they can certainly diffuse a situation but we are not hiring people to be […] bouncers.”

The positions have a starting salary of €31,500 on a rising pay scale and you can find more information on the roles here.