Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan, today announced the Government’s approval for €94.5million additional funding for the heavy rail network.
The majority of the funding will be invested into improvements on the Dublin Cork railway line which is said to cut journey times by 8-10 minutes.
It will also ensure that the line will be future proofed to accommodate 200km/h speeds at a later date.
Iarnród Éireann will receive the funding and the existing Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract which provides the funding and governance oversight framework for the rail network and its infrastructure.
Speaking about the investment, Minister Ryan stated:
“We made a clear commitment to public transport in the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan. Yesterday we made a big commitment to the DART+ Fleet, and today we are demonstrating our commitment to mainline rail services, both of which will help us achieve our climate goals. Today’s funding will also provide an enhanced passenger service on the Dublin Cork line, and encourage more people to switch from car to rail.”
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said:
“The funding for the IMMAC is the foundation of the delivery of a railway infrastructure which is safe, and which develops to meet the needs of our customers. We welcome the continuing funding under the IMMAC, and additional funding which will equip us for improved journey times, and climate resilience and sustainability. Furthermore, it will create 150 additional jobs during 2022.”
