CIÉ, as the EFB, are tasked with carrying out the necessary essential functions of the Infrastructure Manager for the Iarnród Éireann network in relation to “decision-making concerning train path allocation, including both the definition and the assessment of availability and the allocation of individual train paths, and decision-making concerning infrastructure charging, including determination and collection of charges, in accordance with the capacity allocation framework and charging framework” as laid out under the European Union (Regulation of Railways) Regulations (S.I. 249 of 2015 and amended by S.I. 398 of 2020).
It is agreed with the Department of Transport that the EFB sits within the CIE Holding Company so it can be independent in its decision making, separate from any Railway Undertaking.
At present alongside the National operator, Iarnród Éireann -Irish Rail, a subsidiary company of CIE, Northern Ireland Railways (Translink) and the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) are additionally cleared to operate across the Iarnród Éireann network.
A Railway Undertaking which is licensed to operate in the European Union and has secured the necessary clearances to operate across the Iarnród Éireann network may apply to the EFB for train paths should they wish to operate services in the Republic of Ireland. Such applicants must provide a minimum of 18 months’ notice in advance of the timetable commencement date for which they intend to secure capacity.
The administering, determining and collection of Track Access Charges also fall within the remit of the EFB. Such charges are payable by all operators which operate on the Iarnród Éireann network. Current charging rates are fixed until the end of 2024.