'Crazy' to award €50m rail contract to company, says transport minister

Fundamental issues lie with the procurement process by Irish Rail, says Darragh O'Brien, adding that it is 'being addressed very seriously'
Transport minister Darragh O'Brien said he is comfortable with the governance at Irish Rail, adding there are 'learnings' for the agency. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Transport minister Darragh O'Brien said he is comfortable with the governance at Irish Rail, adding there are 'learnings' for the agency. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Thu, 22 Oct, 2026 - 16:26
Tadgh McNally

It was “crazy” that a contract to deliver a new train management system was awarded to a company that had never delivered a similar product, transport minister Darragh O'Brien has admitted. 

Spanish corporation Indra was contracted by Irish Rail to design a new traffic management system at a cost of €50m.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Save €40 on an Annual Subscription.​

Continue reading within unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber benefits.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Transport minister defends toll price hikes  Transport minister defends toll price hikes 
CUH staffing crisis: Government accused of 'blaming management' for overcrowding at hospital CUH staffing crisis: Government accused of 'blaming management' for overcrowding at hospital
FRA-ILLUSTRATION-IA Oireachtas committee report urges strong regulation of AI in public services instead of reliance
#transport#Public Transport
<p>Agreement had been reached on the European Union’s Budget for 2027, Tánaiste Simon Harris has announced.</p>

‘A good result for Europe’: Deal reached on EU 2027 budget

READ NOW

Politics

Newsletter

From the corridors of power to your inbox ... sign up for your essential weekly political briefing.

Latest

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited