Bigger EU Transport Fund Could End Ireland’s Traffic Congestion

Irish commuters need more than Metrolink to reduce traffic congestion all over the country, with the Irish Government well positioned to use its Presidency of the Council of the EU to deliver more EU investment into rail projects.

The European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE) calls on the Irish Government to push for the expansion of the EU’s key Transport Fund in EU Budget negotiations, which could grow investment in vital rail projects across the Emerald Isle.

Currently, the Connecting Europe Facility, as part of the draft Multiannual Financial Framework (EU Budget) for 2028 to 2034 has been allocated €51.5 billion (a portion of which will be used for rail).

However, this figure needs to be increased to at least €100 billion if meaningful progress can be made in unlocking heavy and light rail projects across Ireland and the broader European rail network.

Dublin, Cork and Galway suffer from traffic gridlock, and locals would benefit from executing the full vision of the Irish Government’s 2025 Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. Upon completion, an estimated 700,000 more people (a 25% increase) would live within 5km of a railway station.

UNIFE supports Ireland receiving ongoing and more EU support for their ambitious strategy, which includes significant upgrades to national signalling, track conditions, level crossings, and rolling stock to deliver more train services, more often. Better Irish transport networks are also central to the overall Project Ireland 2040 plan, set out by the Irish Government.

Ireland’s staunch commitment during its EU Presidency to boost European competitiveness and reduce red tape, can massively benefit European rail supply companies to deliver quality products and create jobs.

UNIFE stands ready to work with both the Irish Government and European Commission, in not only delivering any future rail projects, but on many key relevant files during its EU Presidency. In particular, Ireland will have a decisive role in initiating and advancing work on the revision of the EU Public Procurement framework, which is key for the European Rail Supply Industry.

Quotes attributable to UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe

“It is encouraging to see Metrolink underway, but it is just the start. Ireland needs significantly more EU funding to assist with its rail plans, as more people need to be freed from their cars and use public transport to reduce traffic all over the country.”

“With an investment of at least €100 billion in the next EU Budget for the Connecting Europe Facility, more funds could be available to help support a whole range of rail and tram projects across Ireland. We will support any Irish Government move to achieve this.”

“To deliver these much-needed projects, the European Rail Supply Industry needs more than just the certainty of long-term investment – it also needs measures to ensure that it can remain competitive, such as Public Procurement reform and easing regulatory burdens.”

“The last time Ireland held the EU Presidency – in 2013 – the efforts undertaken by the Irish Government to deliver the technical pillar of the Fourth Railway Package, brought a significant boost to Europe’s railway sector. As discussions on the revision of the ERA Regulation advance during the Irish Presidency, there is now a chance to ensure that the European Union Agency for Railways can be adequately resourced to enhance rail’s performance across Europe.”