Sinn Féin TD and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), John Brady, has expressed serious concern following information obtained by the PAC in relation to a €31.5 million, and counting, IT project within Irish Rail, describing the situation as “a slowly developing shambles” that needs immediate ministerial attention.
Deputy Brady said that the details emerging from minutes of recent Irish Rail board meetings paint an incredibly troubling picture regarding the future of the new IT system intended to regulate train movements across the state.
The Wicklow TD highlighted governance failures, spiralling costs, delays, and a lack of delivery, despite substantial public funds already being committed, and called on the Minister for Transport to account for the project’s failings and outline the plan moving forward.
Teachta Brady said:
“Under the initial proposals following tendering, the Traffic Management System (TMS) was targeted to be commissioned in 2024, with an associated target cost of €19.5 million.
“Confirmation that over €31.5 million has already been spent on this IT system, with not even the first phase completed, is nothing short of staggering.
“The Minister presented this as a flagship project that would act as the ‘brain’ of the railway network, while the NTA described it as the ‘critical component’ in the broader National Train Control Centre project – yet all that we are seeing is confusion, delays, and spiralling costs.
“This raises massive questions about the potential impact on the broader development and expansion of the rail network.
“My jaw was on the floor as I read the minutes of the Irish Rail board meetings that were provided to the committee.
“The Chair of Iarnród Éireann and the Project Director express serious reservations about the project’s direction and delivery, as well as concerns about the contractor’s ability to deliver all phases of the project.
“Very concerningly, the minutes also note that delays to the delivery of this project risk impacting train services between Bray and Rosslare – this is very worrying and must be immediately clarified.
“This is a slowly developing shambles, and without immediate intervention, it risks descending into farce.
“The Minister cannot remain on the sidelines while tens of millions in public money continue to be spent with absolutely nothing to show for it.
“As Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, I will be seeking a full and comprehensive explanation as to how this situation has been allowed to develop, and I will be demanding a detailed outline of next steps.
“The Minister must now take charge, establish what has gone wrong, and set out a clear plan to bring this project back on track.”
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