Donohoe downplays Irish Rail's potential losses
The Transport Minister has downplayed reports that Irish Rail could go bankrupt if it loses the tender for the country's train network.
The contract for rail services will run out in 2019 - and the EU wants to see the rights opened up to bids from competitors.
Trade unions are warning there could be industrial relations chaos if Irish Rail loses the contract, while experts say the company could then fail to pay its debts.
Minister Paschal Donohoe says he has no such fears.
"This is a matter that has been receiving huge focus from myself over the last year," said the Minister.
"The single market in transport is something that the Irish companies have benefitted from because it gives them the ability to compete for business elsewhere."
