Who Runs CIE?

CIÉ (Córas Iompair Éireann) is ultimately run by the Government of Ireland, through its parent body, the Department of Transport.

As a statutory corporation, CIÉ operates under the direct oversight of the Department of Transport, which acts as its parent entity. The Government of Ireland maintains 100% ownership of the company.

Understanding CIÉ's Governance Structure

The governance of CIÉ involves both direct ownership and a clear reporting structure through a governmental department. This setup ensures that the public transport services provided by CIÉ and its subsidiaries align with national policy and objectives.

Here's a breakdown of CIÉ's key structural elements:

Role of the Department of Transport

The Department of Transport plays a crucial role in overseeing CIÉ. As the parent body, it is responsible for the strategic direction, policy, and funding framework within which CIÉ and its constituent companies operate. This relationship signifies that while CIÉ manages its day-to-day operations and services, it is accountable to the Department of Transport, which in turn answers to the Government of Ireland.

CIÉ's Operational Scope

CIÉ is a significant entity in Irish public transport, with several key divisions and subsidiaries managing various transport services across the country. These subsidiaries are responsible for the daily operation of trains and buses, serving millions of passengers annually.

Key subsidiaries of CIÉ include:

• Iarnród Éireann: Operates national rail services.
• Dublin Bus: Provides bus services within Dublin and its surrounding areas.
• Bus Éireann: Operates national and regional bus services, including city and commuter routes, and school transport.

Additionally, CIÉ operates CIÉ Tours International, focusing on tourism services. This structure allows CIÉ to manage diverse public transport needs under a centralized, government-owned umbrella.