Rail fares cheaper here than most of Euro-zone

Rail fares in Ireland are amongst the lowest across Euro-zone.

New figures show that companies in some countries charge more than double Irish rail fares for equivalent distances.

France, England and Germany are the most expensive countries.

Only Portugal and Greece have cheaper fares for journeys of similar distance.

A spokesman for Iarnrod Eireann says the figures come at a time of record investment in the network here.

"These figures show we are extremely competitive in our pricing when compared with other European railways," he said.

"With more and more of the benefits of investment reaching our customers this year and in the coming years, we will be delivering even better value for money in the future."