Several Irish Rail Services Could Be Closed Due To Funding Issues

Several Irish Rail routes could be closed as a result of funding issues, it has been revealed.

According to The Irish Times, a report has been submitted to Transport Minister Shane Ross signalling that the company requires €600 million in investment over the next five years to remain viable.

With losses of over €11m this year, Irish Rail has said that it will be forced to close several services if additional State funding is not provided.

Only the Dart, Dublin and Cork commuter routes and inter-city services from Dublin to Cork, Belfast and Limerick would be retained, with the Limerick-Ballybrophy and Limerick Junction-Waterford services among those on the chopping block.

The Athenry-Ennis section of the Limerick-Galway route, which only reopened in 2010, could also face closure, as well the Wexford line south of Gorey. 

The review was compiled by the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann to establish the future sustainability of the company.