Ireland’s EU Presidency Should Put Rail Funding at the Top of the Agenda, Says UNIFE

As Ireland prepares to take on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, UNIFE believes the country has a unique opportunity to secure greater EU funding for rail. The industry association argues that expanding the Connecting Europe Facility would help accelerate long-term transport projects, reduce congestion and strengthen Ireland’s rail network.

The European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE) is urging the Irish Government to use its upcoming EU Council Presidency to push for a significant increase in European funding for rail infrastructure.

The organisation is calling for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), currently allocated €51.5 billion under the draft 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), to be increased to at least €100 billion. According to UNIFE, this would unlock greater investment in rail projects across both Ireland and the wider European network.

Expanding Ireland's Rail Network

UNIFE argues that Metrolink alone will not solve Ireland's transport challenges, particularly in cities such as Dublin, Cork and Galway, where traffic congestion continues to grow.

The association supports the full implementation of the Irish Government's 2025 Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy, which aims to significantly improve national rail infrastructure. Once completed, the strategy is expected to increase the number of people living within 5 km of a railway station by around 700,000, representing a 25% increase.

The planned investments include upgrades to rail signalling, track infrastructure, level crossings and rolling stock, allowing more frequent and reliable train services. These improvements also form part of the wider Project Ireland 2040 strategy.

Irish Presidency Could Shape Europe's Rail Agenda

UNIFE believes Ireland's six-month EU Presidency offers an opportunity not only to advance domestic rail investment but also to influence wider European transport policy.

The association says Ireland's focus on competitiveness and reducing administrative burdens could benefit the European rail supply industry by supporting industrial growth and job creation.

UNIFE also pointed out the upcoming revision of the EU Public Procurement framework, where Ireland is expected to play an important role. According to the organisation, procurement reform is essential to strengthen the competitiveness of Europe's rail manufacturing sector.

UNIFE: More Funding Is Needed

UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe welcomed progress on the Metrolink project but stressed that it should only be the beginning of Ireland's rail expansion:

"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."