They have to keep some - there are weight limits on parts of the network which preclude the use of 201s for ballast trains and the like. The Tara traffic also has a limitation at the North Wall unloading point I understand. Their prime movers are still widely available and thus parts for those shouldn't be an issue, so it comes down to structural integrity and parts for things more unique to the 071/111 family in terms of how long they can go on.
As far as 201-205 etc., it was theorised at one point that they were set aside for sale purposes, similar to the 8200s being transferred to Inchicore this week and the 2700s before that. Clearly that didn't happen. They are supposed to be being started on a regular basis but the question is what else has been nicked from those units in the cause of keeping spares costs down that wouldn't stop an engine start from being done.
There has been an uptick in the number of 201s seen on container runs, this may be because of the need to pull in 071s for checks after this incident. It should also, hopefully, be the case that more 201s will be available simply because fewer will be breaking down on the Northern line now that the EGV project seems to be finally getting somewhere. There may be concern among the per way fraternity that increased use of 201s on containers may cause increased wear west of Portarlington but the extra 800hp is probably a good nice to have for the drivers.
|