I agree that expanding the ICR fleet beyond a dozen or so centre cars is a complete waste of money.
Anything they do should be done with a mind to future electrification. Is it realistic to expect to be burning diesel in trains well into the 2050s which would be the expected retirement date of any 22K units ordered today based on the lifespan of the Mark 2s. Although it would be Irish Rail's style to buy then and then chop them in half in 10 years' time when they get bored with them.
It's the usual Irish response. Wait until something becomes a crisis and then blame your lack of planning on having to make decisions under pressure.
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