Experienced rail commuters will take little comfort in the suggestion from Irish Rail that it may have to extend “pre-book only” services as trains become more over crowded.

IAG’s offer to buy Aer Lingus comes at a time when the Irish carrier is more challenged than ever and offers an unparalleled route to sustainable growth.

The chairman designate of Eirgrid, the national power grid operator, has admitted that he would not like to live near electricity pylons.

Rail chiefs are on track to re-open one of Ireland’s busiest lines within the coming weeks following the near catastrophic collapse of a bridge into the sea, they said today.