€5m in emergency funding for repairs to Irish Rail infrastructure

The Government has released just over €5m in emergency funding for repairs to Iarnród Éireann’s storm damaged infrastructure — including the roof at Cork’s Kent Station.

Minister for Public and Commuter Transport Alan Kelly made the announcement in the Dáil yesterday.

About €2.8m will be used to rebuild a roof over platforms 1 and 2 at Kent Station after the old structure was destroyed when a mini tornado ripped through the area on Dec 18 last.

“Having recently visited the station, some of the damage caused by the severe winds was quite dramatic,” Mr Kelly said.

“This funding will go towards the full repair of the roof with an additional €500,000 for renewal works on depot buildings.

“All transport operators must be safety conscious at all times and I look forward to the repair works being complete.”

Some €1m will be spent in and around Waterford’s Plunkett Station to clear up previous rock falls and protect against future incidents.

There will be some works at Pearse Station in Dublin and minor works in other stations.

However, the minister said bus services are likely to remain in operation between Limerick and Ennis for several weeks because of flooding on the line.