A number of rail lines may be forced to close as Iarnród Éireann (Irish Railways) is threatened with insolvency, a report has warned. The draft report given to Minister for Transport Shane Ross shows the country’s rail infrastructure has deteriorated to such a degree due to funding shortages that there are now increased safety risks. It states the rail network needs more than EUR 600 million investment over the next five years.
The confidential report, seen by the The Irish Times, says in the absence of any additional Government funding, large sections of the rail network will have to close to eliminate the funding gap, leaving only the Dart, Dublin and Cork commuter routes and inter-city services from Dublin to Cork, Belfast and Limerick.
The review was compiled by the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann to examine possible solutions for the financial sustainability of the State-owned rail operator.
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