Railway Industry Association (RIA) members have voted to extend the Association’s remit to include the Republic of Ireland, paving the way for stronger support for rail suppliers and closer industry collaboration across the UK and Ireland.
The decision, approved at a special resolution at RIA’s Annual General Meeting on 4 November, amends the Association’s Articles of Association to include the Republic of Ireland within its definition of the railway industry.
The move builds on RIA’s established presence in Northern Ireland and comes at a time of significant planned investment across Ireland’s rail network, supported by public sector investment and long-term rail development plans, with organisations including Translink, Irish Rail, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority, progressing major programmes to enhance rail connectivity across the island. Substantial investment is being made in rail on an all-island basis through the Shared Island Initiative, including for the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise route. Therefore, it is logical that RIA would also adopt an all-island approach, alongside its existing country-wide presence.
RIA will now take a phased and collaborative approach to extending its activities, working alongside governments, clients, industry bodies and other stakeholders to support rail investment, strengthen supply chain capability and share best practice.
Noel Travers, RIA chair, said: “This is an important step forward for the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and its members, opening up new opportunities to support the rail supply sector across the UK and Ireland.
“With major investment planned in Ireland’s railways in the years ahead, there is a real opportunity to bring industry, government and clients closer together, helping to deliver better railways, support jobs and skills, and drive economic growth.
“RIA already has strong foundations in Northern Ireland, and this decision will allow us to build on those relationships while developing new partnerships in the Republic of Ireland.
“We will take a measured and collaborative approach, working alongside existing organisations and stakeholders to ensure we add value, strengthen the voice of rail suppliers and help the industry make the most of the opportunities ahead.”
As part of this extension, RIA will increase its Business Engagement Manager resource to cover the whole island of Ireland, commencing in January 2027 ahead of RIA’s All-Island Rail Summit scheduled for 10 February 2027 in Dublin.
The new role will focus on strengthening relationships with rail suppliers, government, clients and other stakeholders across Ireland, supporting RIA’s engagement with the sector and helping members access opportunities arising from future rail investment. The appointment will complement RIA’s existing team and reinforce its commitment to championing a strong, innovative and competitive rail supply industry across the UK and Ireland.
Image credit: RIA
