Isn't that partly to do with IE/NIR running fewer, longer sets than originally planned for, with consequent demand on the HEP?

Guys if we want to get in to the technical issues, http://www.railusers.ie/forum/showthread.php?t=6870

Mk3's still running the route?

Yes, a limited number of Galway and Waterford services are still done by Mark 3 sets.

Why is there a problem with that? Mk3's are decent carriages and are not that old. All they need is a small refurbishment in inchicore. IE are idiots, blaming the current climate for the removal of all loco hauled trains (Mk3s)
I was in correspondence with Mr Fearn recently and thats what he said.

I get the Waterford 18.25 service daily which is a Mk3. It is filthy dirty and the PA system seems to be barely working. Various carriages shudder violently on certain parts of the line and create a deafening noise.
I am praying for it to be replaced with a 22k but not sure when/if this is going to happen.

I'd wager that IE are deliberately failing to maintain the Mk3s because they believe they don't have a future.
To put it another way, they are trying to turn the public against the Mk3s by doing this.

Quite possible - I think they did the same thing with the Mk2ds before the introduction of those wonderful "Intercity" 29,000s :mad: on the Sligo line in 2006.

Kilkea's problems sound like the Mk3s are in crap condition for the want of proper maintenance.

It'll be a crying shame if those carriages are let go; they have decades left in them.

48 are being refurbished and kept

I don't see the attachment to the Mk3, yes a good piece of engineering but its a 40 year old design. The heating and AC was always a serious weakness

And they're all going to be used on the Belfast line?

anyone have word on when this additonal 22k will come into service for the Waterford line? I assume that it will cover the 18.25 out of Heuston?

You should be thankful that all your trains to Waterford are InterCity stock. Spare a thought for the Rosslare customers who haven't seen an InterCity service since July 2004.

Deliveries are still on going

Still two more 3 car sets and 5 6 car sets to enter service

Cork is top of the list for a 3 car set

22k came into service on the 18.25 from Heuston last week, the ticket guy told me that that was the end of the MK3 on the line but not sure if they are still running them during the day off peak.

What use would Cork have for a 3 car IC set? My understanding is that everything South of Mallow is either short-haul trains or CAF Intercity sets.

Cork-Tralee

The Cork based Mk3 set kept spare to cover for Mk4 failures is as a matter of routine drafted in to cover Mallow Tralee due to the the lack of railcars

On paper a single 3 car ICR will release 4 2700 coaches which fills the Midelton void