Irish rail fares among Europe's lowest

A new study has shown that train fares in Ireland are among the lowest in Europe.

The figures come as a surprise on a weekend when Iarnroid Eireann implements its much criticised 10% fares hike.

The survey, conducted by the British Strategic Rail Authority indicates that fares in this country are cheaper than those in the UK, France, Holland and Germany.

However, the study also found that travel times on the continent are significantly lower than in Ireland because of high-speed trains.