50% of train passengers would use Irish if they knew staff spoke it

Ottoline Spearman

A survey of over 7,100 people has shown strong public support for using Irish on trains.

Half of all train passengers said they would be more likely to use Irish if they knew a staff member spoke the language.

One in six (1,260 people) specifically referenced that visible signs, emblems, or badges indicating a staff member’s ability to speak Irish would encourage them to use the language.

Erin Burns, Oifigeach Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer) at Iarnród Éireann, said: ‘The survey results clearly show that passengers want to use their Irish; they just need the opportunity and confidence to do so."

The survey also found over 65 per cent felt very positive about hearing Irish spoken on trains, while over 70 per cent believed it is important that Irish is spoken on rail services.

Lack of opportunity seems to be the main reason people don't speak Irish more often on trains, with 36 per cent stating this to be the case.

The survey was carried out by Iarnród Éireann and Conradh na Gaeilge.

In response, Iarnród Éireann has launched the ‘Fáinne On Board’ campaign, a new initiative that will see participating staff across the rail network who are fluent or have cúpla focal proudly wear the Fáinne, a recognised symbol showing their willingness to speak in Irish.

Developed in partnership with Conradh na Gaeilge, the Fáinne on Board campaign encourages passengers to use their Gaeilge, whatever their level, as part of their everyday travel experience.

As part of this initiative, Conradh na Gaeilge will also deliver Irish language classes for Iarnród Éireann staff, helping employees build confidence and fluency to use Irish with passengers.

Reflecting another strong theme from the survey, where many respondents expressed interest in a dedicated space on trains to converse in Irish, Iarnród Éireann is proud to support Oireachtas na Samhna 2025, Ireland’s premier festival of Irish-language arts, taking place in Belfast from October 29th to November 2nd.

As part of this support, Iarnród Éireann will provide complimentary travel for 30 performers and volunteers and will host the first ever “Gaeilge Amháin” carriage for festival-goers. This special carriage will act as a hub for Irish-language conversation and cultural engagement during the festival weekend.

Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, Ceannasaí (Director), An tOireachtas welcomed Iarnród Éireann’s support, noting: ‘The collaboration between Iarnród Éireann and An tOireachtas has roots going back to the very first Oireachtas na Samhna festival held in 1897, when the organisation offered festival-goers return tickets for the price of a one-way fare. It is wonderful to see this support for our festival reignited today."