The funding is being provided through an Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC) between the minister and Irish Rail (IE), and will cover the 2020-2024 period. The investment will be made in rail civil engineering programmes, including track renewal, signalling improvements and safety-related initiatives.
“This level of investment means that the rail network is now being funded at the ‘steady state’ level required to ensure optimal maintenance, renewal and improvement of our rail infrastructure,” Ross says.
The IE network currently comprises 2400km of operational track, 4440 bridges, 1100 points, 970 level crossings, 144 stations, more than 3300 cuttings and embankments, 372 platforms and 13 tunnels. The network includes main line, Dublin suburban lines, and freight-only routes.
Funding provided under the IMMAC investment programme is separate from funding provided for other rail projects such as the recently approved national train control centre and the expansion of the greater Dublin area commuter rail fleet, along with the planned investment under the Dart expansion programme.
