NTA Warns of €800,000 Monthly Cost for Cork Signalling Delay Due to IT Issues
The NTA warns that delays to Cork's new train signalling system, caused by issues with the TMS IT project, could cost €800,000 monthly. The TMS project faces significant delays and cost overruns, leading to a €50 million write-down by Irish Rail. The NTA is assessing options to complete the project amidst uncertainty over final costs.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has warned that delays in introducing a new train signalling system in Cork next year could incur additional costs of up to €800,000 per month. This delay stems from problems with the beleaguered traffic management system (TMS) IT project.
Separately, the Government will provide nearly €20 million over the next three years to boost resilience in existing signalling around Dublin, mitigating the risk of major failure in the central traffic control system at Connolly Station due to delays in its planned replacement.
The TMS project, intended to control train movements, has faced significant delays and cost overruns. Irish Rail wrote down €50 million from its investment in the project last month after initial testing revealed software problems from contractor Indra. The NTA stated that the first phase of TMS commissioning would likely not be delivered by January 2027, with full rollout potentially delayed until 2030 or later. Oireachtas committees will question Irish Rail and the NTA regarding potential wasted funds.
Up to April, €152.2 million has been spent on the overall National Train Control Centre (NTCC) at Heuston Station, which includes the TMS element, costing €31.2 million so far. The NTA previously estimated the NTCC would cost €188 million but can no longer confirm the final cost due to the TMS software status. Irish Rail has sought NTA approval for an intervention to facilitate Cork signalling commissioning and reduce additional costs. The NTA is assessing options for the TMS project, including potentially bringing in another IT contractor, though some within Irish Rail believe Indra should not be involved.