Iarnród Éireann funding crisis puts lines at risk, report warns

[RPI]

Originally Posted by Jamie2k9

Hopefully IE have the scene to ignore!

Another zinger is the relocation of Newry to the Republic and it's classification as one of the 25 least-used stations in the country.

[Jamie2k9]

Originally Posted by RPI

Another zinger is the relocation of Newry to the Republic and it's classification as one of the 25 least-used stations in the country.

Expect it was some form of oversite or the authors have never looked at a map of Ireland.
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Overall the report is very vage, no substance and all data was more less cut and paste from previous reports.

I fully expect Limerick J to Waterford to get shafted like Waterdord to Rosslare did. Its not something I can accept when IE and NTA both wash their hands of all responsiblity for its failings. The other lines have given the public chance after chance but nothing on this one.

As if WRC or Limerick to BB, who are they trying to kid. Don't see Rosslare getting the chop just not worth it.

[Inniskeen]

The rail review document is all over the place. Whst exactly is the relevance of the histotical list of closures ? From a first pass I see little evidence of strategic thinking or capacity planning (other than some discussions about rolling stock).

As regards lightly used lines, the entire reason for lack of business is conveniently down to lack of demand, no discussion of service quality or relevance. The service on the Wexford, Nenagh and Limerick/Waterford have either deteriorated dramatically or failed to adjust to circumstances. Most of the track and infrastructure on these routes has been upgraded but with little apparent strategic objective other than box ticking in respect of asset age and condition.

As for the inclusion of Newry, this is probably simply the one commuter service provided by Irish Rail !

[Kilocharlie]

The review also discusses fleet enhancement to cope with expect growth in numbers:

• Refurbishing the 2700s at 300,000 each to be on-line in 2018/19 and releasing
  ICRs from the PPT route

• And buying an additional 41 ICR 'B' (intermediate) cars (perhaps to convert 4-car to 5-car?); this would be subject to procurement allowing use of the existing framework agreement.

• OR acquiring the equivalent in a new procurement (more expensive and a lot longer due to full tendering equirements)

[Jamie2k9]

Refurbishing the 2700s at 300,000 each to be on-line in 2018/19 and releasing
ICRs from the PPT route

IMO, they will be needed before that not particularly for PPT.

And buying an additional 41 ICR 'B' (intermediate) cars (perhaps to convert 4-car to 5-car?); this would be subject to procurement allowing use of the existing framework agreement.
OR acquiring the equivalent in a new procurement (more expensive and a lot longer due to full tendering equirements)

Nothing stopping them putting out tenders for expressions of interest now and get the work out of the way.

IMO for the sake of a few million, it would make more sense to order around 10 sets of 5 and 7 coaches (60/40 split).

I mean buying 41 middle coaches will just cost more long term as if you increase 3/4 sets to 4/5 units you then more less need to extend platforms around the country as you just overly complicate things as no flexibility with the fleet and ensuring the right sets is not easy.

Basing it on today rosters, 5 coach sets will have limited benefit apart from around Dublin belt M3, N Commuter etc.

Of course typical Ireland will be buy cheap now, spend more long term trying to accommodate them. Them again IE may buy them to park them up

Anyway why are they not more interested in purchasing a new batch of 2900 and remove ICR from M3, Maynooth, PPT and Drogheda.

They have received big orders from the UK over the last 12-18 months because they have offered good deals.

[Kilocharlie]

Nothing stopping them putting out tenders for expressions of interest now and get the work out of the way.

A full tender process takes up to five years. Re-ordering additional ICR units only take 2-3 years. Also there is the advantage of compatibility with the rest of the fleet esp for maintenance. Quickest and cheapest option. Also, new trains need more drivers and more slots; extending existing sets require neither again limiting long term costs.

New trains would take much longer to deliver plus additional long term costs for maintaining different types.

[Jamie2k9]

Originally Posted by Kilocharlie

A full tender process takes up to five years. Re-ordering additional ICR units only take 2-3 years. Also there is the advantage of compatibility with the rest of the fleet esp for maintenance. Quickest and cheapest option. Also, new trains need more drivers and more slots; extending existing sets require neither again limiting long term costs.

New trains would take much longer to deliver plus additional long term costs for maintaining different types.

I dont buy the point about drivers/slots as new sets increase size and replace ICR but they are not at all suitable for M3 or Maynooth even with an extra carriage.

Anyway they may not be allowed get middle coaches but you can bet nobody will examine the tenders until last minute.