Compensation following service cancellation

[Padna]

I have an annual Dundalk-Belfast ticket issued by Irish Rail. Cross-border services did not operate on Friday 13 March due to industrial action by Translink staff. I send off a compensation application (for two single journeys) to Irish Rail in Connolly Station on Tuesday 24 March and received Irish Rail vouchers to the value of €7 in the post the other day.

There are two things about which I'm unhappy:

(1) I requested a cash refund on the application form and I believe I was entitled to this under EU legislation. Vouchers are of little use to an annual ticket holder who doesn't use the train apart from his regular commute.

(2) The value of the compensation (€7) seems too low given the price of the annual ticket (€2340). It seems they may have divided 2340 by 365, but how many annual ticket holders travel every single day? Nor do I receive any tax relief on this ticket, so some reduction in the compensation to allow for tax relief on the ticket shouldn't be a factor.

I tried to call 01 7032601 this morning to query/complain but the phone just rings out eventually, regardless of whether I select option 3 (make a comment or express dissatisfaction with our services) or option 4 (all other enquiries).

There's another day of industrial action by Translink staff planned for Wednesday 6 May, so I may be in the same situation again soon.

Any thoughts on how best to proceed? Thanks!