Don't you know that it takes five people (not counting security staff) to help out the guy at the ticket gate in Connolly.
It stands to reason that a lot of people are surplus to requirements given the number of signal boxes, ticket offices and level crossings that have been automated over the last few years. Not to mention the fact that so many trains are now driver-only where previously there would have been a ticket-checker and a guard.
This can only be the start of a longer-term process though. Annually, Irish Rail take in €190m and spend €370m with the bulk of the gap closed by public service obligations. I don't think it is unreasonable to assume that 4,500 staff cost Irish rail an average 50k per year each including pension and PRSI costs. That tots up to €225m just on staff costs.
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