Iarnród Éireann - Irish Rail (IÉ) has awarded a major contract to Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group Ireland following a competitive tender process.
The contract is for eight years, with the option for IÉ to extend it for a further two years. It covers the operation and maintenance of the IÉ fleet of rail-bound on-track machines (OTMs), which are essential for the ongoing maintenance of the national rail network.
The fleet of 19 machines – some of which are currently going through the commissioning process – carries out a range of works including tamping, ballast cleaning and regulating.
“We are delighted to continue our working relationship with Rhomberg Sersa,” said Cathal Mangan, Chief Civil Engineer, Director – Infrastructure Manager (designate) IÉ.
“This was a very competitive tender process, as the ongoing maintenance of our network is critical to both safety and the successful delivery of passenger and freight services.
“While we have a major ongoing programme of capital works, our existing network is critical for so many of the travelling public, and ongoing maintenance ensures our services continue to run on schedule.”
Billy Stamp, Managing Director – Ireland – with the Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group, said he is delighted to continue the strong working relationship with the IÉ team.
“We very much work in partnership with the Irish Rail engineers and front-line Permanent Way staff through adopting a collaborative approach,” he said.
As the rail network in Ireland is over a century old, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure the safe and timely running of services.
The RSRG Ireland team – which totals 70 staff – works mainly at night and on weekends on the network in order to minimise passenger disruption.
In 2019, Rhomberg Sersa was awarded a five-year contract to operate and maintain the then 14 machines owned by IÉ, and an option to extend this contract by two years to 2026 was exercised.
The new contract was opened to public tender in 2025 and, after a competitive process involving a number of international companies, it was awarded to Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group.
The contract covers the existing OTM fleet owned by IÉ, as well as machines that are currently going through the commissioning process.
The new machines are a mix of OTMs – which will replace the older machines in the fleet – as well as specialist machines such as the Techne Kirow Crane.
As part of the new contract, Rhomberg Sersa will also carry out the heavy maintenance of all the machines. These deep overhauls prolong their working life and optimise performance and reliability.
Billy Stamp added: “The Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group is very much a family company with family values and a long-term perspective. We believe our culture fits well with that of Irish Rail, and this is a critical element of our success.”
