Cigar smoker delays rush-hour train

[Nigel Fitzgricer]

Just to prove that smoking on public transport is not just a Dublin Bus thing. Bravo to the IE train crew as well.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Cigar smoker delays rush-hour train
By Niamh Mullen
Sligo Weekender

The Sligo to Dublin train was delayed on Friday evening because a man smoked a cigar on board.
The train had to stop at Ballymote station for 20 minutes. Gardai were called and they arrested the man.
The section of the carriage where he was sitting was cleared by Irish Rail staff. Two gardai had to forcibly remove the uncooperative passenger.
Gardai at Ballymote said the man was arrested for smoking in a public place.
“He was abusive. Backup was called and he was taken to Sligo Garda station,” a garda spookesperson said.
The man lit up a cigar shortly after the 5.50pm train left Sligo station. One passenger confronted him and asked him to stop.
He was dismissive of the woman’s pleas but put the cigar out for a few minutes before lighting it again.
The pungent smell filled the packed carriage and caused commotion among passengers.
A spokesperson for Irish Rail said it is company policy to remove any passenger who behaves inappropriately.
“If any passenger threatens other passengers or staff, the Gardai will be called and the person will be removed from the train,” she said.