Irish Rail IT System a «Shambles», €31M Spent, First Phase Delayed to 2027
A new €31 million Irish Rail IT system, crucial for train management, is a «shambles» with its first phase delayed until 2027. PAC chairman John Brady warns of escalating costs and contractor concerns, urging immediate ministerial intervention to prevent further issues.
The development of a new IT system for Irish Rail, intended to manage train movement, is a «slowly developing shambles», according to John Brady, chairman of the Dáil Committee of Public Accounts (PAC). Over €31 million has already been spent on the project, known as the train traffic management system, which was initially targeted for completion in 2024 with a €19.5 million cost.
The first phase, covering the line to Rosslare, may not be operational until summer 2027, years behind schedule. Concerns about the IT contractor, Indra Group's, ability to deliver the remaining seven phases were raised by former Irish Rail chairman Steve Murphy and project director Jason Lacey in February. The National Transport Authority also estimates the full system will exceed the €36 million agreed for 2024. Indra Group stated it is working closely with Irish Rail and remains on track with agreed milestones.