Irish Rail: a story of rags to riches - but what does the future hold?

Irish Rail: a story of rags to riches - but what does the future hold?

Railways in Ireland have undergone a remarkable renaissance in the past six or seven years. Irish Rail used to have some of the oldest rolling stock in Europe -- now the fleet is among the newest. Timetables have been transformed, with the former long gaps between trains -- even on intercity routes -- having been replaced by frequent services. Railnews went to Dublin to get the latest from managing director Dick Fearn. With the economic downturn now threatening the national economy, what are the prospects for Irish railways now? full story

Special Report Headlines:

  • SPECIAL REPORT: Remembering the Little Ships

    SPECIAL REPORT: Remembering the Little Ships

    A flotilla of little ships is crossing the English Channel to commemorate a military operation 70 years ago that was both a major defeat and also a dramatic turning point in World War II. The evacuation from Dunkirk arguably marked the real beginning of the long journey to victory. Here we recall the vital role the railways played during those crucial days in 1940.

  • Tomorrow’s railway is taking shape. This is the future Birmingham New Street.

    SPECIAL REPORT: National Academy for Rail Engineers

    With the rail industry facing a shortage of up to 30,000 skilled engineers, the Government has agreed to help fund the launch of a National Skills Academy for Rail Engineering, and a Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy to be run by Crossrail. The rail engineering academy – NSARE – which had been strongly backed by the transport secretary Andrew Adonis, will receive nearly £3 million of government investment from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills through the Skills Funding Agency.