Fare evasion must be rife in the evenings

[haddockman]

I took the 2039 from Thurles to Heuston last night with my wife who is a free pass holder. The booking office was closed, which seems to be standard practice in Thurles for evening departures with a notice directing people to the TVM. SW tickets cannot be obtained from the TVM.

We got on the train and expected to see a ticket inspector but there was none. On arrival in Heuston we expected to have to ask for the barrier to be opened as we had no tickets. However on arrival the ticket barriers were left open.

Now this carry on is facilitating fare evasion. It doesn't take a genius to work out when booking offices are closed and which trains to use to evade fares.

Is it normal for barriers to be left open in Heuston in the evenings?

What is the correct procedure for SW pass holders where the booking office is closed?