IEs best kept secret?
https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/151116_2016_Rail_Review_Report_Complete_Online.pdf
41 new ICR centre cars apparntly to create more 4 and 5 car sets.
4.2 ICR new center car vehicles
Analysis by IÉ has shown that existing consists will struggle to respond to peaks in passenger demand from 2016. It is therefore proposed to purchase additional intermediate B cars and reconfigure train sizes to address capacity issues. These vehicles could be handled by the existing Portlaoise Depot with a small number of additional staff. This option provides an efficient solution by increasing capacity on existing units and therefore do not incur additional manpower cost associated with implementing additional services. The complexity in achieving systems compatibility would mean the only feasible option to lengthen existing trains is to procure intermediate cars from Mitsui/ Rotem. It is expected that an order would be placed under the existing 2004 Mitsui Framework Agreement (subject to legal confirmation on the validity of the contract term) or alternatively via a direct order procurement derogation. It should be noted that there is no current provision in the capital plans for the purchase of additional vehicles. Exploratory discussions with Mitsui has confirmed that the vehicles could be manufactured and delivered in 2 years from order at a provisional cost of €1.895m per vehicle assuming similar specification to 2008 when a similar vehicle cost €1.646m. Note that costs exclude VAT, excise duty and other project costs which is estimated would result in a cost per vehicle of €2.4m (not inclusive of project management cost). CRR approval would be needed however should be relatively straightforward. As a means of maximising seating capacity, IE could also review options with Mitsui for these intermediate vehicles to be fitted with air-line seating. Initial estimates show that this may increase capacity in these vehicles from 72 to 80 seats while also providing the capacity for additional bike storage which is becoming an increasing requirement from our customers. This design change, however would necessitate a revisit of the APIS (CRR Approvals) process from a crash-worthiness, passenger load, and evacuation perspective
Does the below quote make it sound lime more than just a proposal?
New Intermediate ICR vehicles Subject to contract award in Q1 2017, Mitsui have indicated delivery could take place in phases from Q1 2019 to Q3 2019, with entry into service from Q2 2019. These will be confirmed on contract award
