Irish Rail is to benefit from a €6m investment, it has been announced.

According to the Public Transport Minister, Alan Kelly, the funding will go to line speed improvements, further rollout of wifi on the train service and important fuel saving technology to reduce costs.

The funding is coming from reallocated capital within the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport and the work is due to be completed by the end of the year.

"It is vital that our limited funds are spent well and give value to the exchequer. If we want to offer people a proper level of public transport this will require investment.

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"This funding will greatly enhance both the customer service Irish Rail offers as well as equipping them with the ability to reduce costs in the future. It's a win-win," said Minister Kelly.

Under the initiative, an additional €1m will be spent on improving journey times between Portalington and Dublin, €1m on ticket validating machines and €300K for the additional roll-out of wifi on 63 rail cars and €600k for order point heaters to ensure depots are not unduly affected by a harsh winter.

"It is vitally important that public transport remains a strong option for those who commute. This Government is committed to improving the public transport system and the consumer experience. It is vital that every penny is stretched to the maximum benefit of the users of public transport," concluded Minister Kelly.

(LB/GK)