Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

David Franks alongside Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA. RollingNews.ie

The boss of Irish Rail is quitting and moving to Australia

David Franks, who has been in charge since 2013, will leave in the coming months.

IRISH RAIL BOSS David Franks is leaving the company and moving to Australia to take up a new job.

The national rail company confirmed in a statement today that he would leave in the coming months.

Franks was appointed CEO in February 2013. He’s leaving to take up “a new senior position in the public transport sector” in Australia.

“I want to thank David for his immense contribution to Iarnród Éireann over the past five years,” Chairman of Irish Rail Frank Allen said.

David has led Iarnród Éireann at a very challenging time for the company and has delivered significant improvements in safety, passenger growth of 24%, and new customer-focused systems and processes.
These changes will benefit the company for many years to come.

His departure comes amid a dispute with drivers over pay and productivity that saw union members at Siptu and the NBRU reject a Labour Court recommendation yesterday.

There were further industrial relations problems before Christmas, as unions threatened to go on strike on three dates in November and December, including the day of a World Cup soccer play-off. The strikes were later averted.

The Irish Rail board will start the process of recruiting a new CEO shortly, today’s statement said.

Read: Irish Rail drivers reject Labour Court pay recommendation >

Read: Union accuses Irish Rail of ‘grinch-like behaviour’ over €500 Dunnes vouchers for staff >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Daragh Brophy
View 66 comments
Close
66 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds