Minister appoints Ultan Courtney as new chair of Iarnród Éireann
Appointment made on interim basis as recruitment process gets under way
10 February 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has appointed Ultan Courtney as chair of the board of Iarnród Éireann and as a board member of Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), on an interim basis for a period of one year.
The appointment follows the stepping down of the outgoing chair, Steve Murphy. Mr Courtney’s appointment to the CIÉ board was approved by Government under the Transport (Reorganisation of Córas Iompair Éireann) Act 1986.
The Department of Transport confirmed that the one-year term will apply while a full recruitment process for the chairperson role is carried out.
Announcing the appointment, Minister O’Brien said Mr Courtney brings “a wide range of experience, skills and expertise” that will support the board over the coming year. He added that Mr Courtney has a strong track record in management and in delivering wider Government policy objectives.
The Minister also paid tribute to the outgoing chair, Steve Murphy, thanking him for his contributions over the past three years as both chairperson and ordinary director of Iarnród Éireann and CIÉ.
Iarnród Éireann, which operates Ireland’s national rail network, is a wholly owned subsidiary of CIÉ and plays a central role in delivering public transport investment under the National Development Plan, including major rail infrastructure and fleet programmes.
