Background

This latest project integrates KeTech’s LLPA with Irish Rail’s new Traffic Management System (TMS), delivering real-time, bilingual announcements across 120 stations. With high-availability architecture, ISO27001-aligned cybersecurity, and seamless deployment without disruption, KeTech provides a future-ready CIS that improves efficiency and passenger satisfaction across Ireland’s rail network. Originally implemented in the 1990’s to integrate with the traditional signalling system, KeTech’s CIS has now begun a phased approach to integrate the system into Irish Rail’s new Traffic Management System (TMS). Leveraging its deep integration expertise, KeTech is seamlessly connecting the existing system with a new Traffic Management System (TMS), enabling automated, real-time passenger information across the network. Crucially, KeTech’s flexible architecture ensures that existing outstation equipment across 120 stations remains fully compatible, delivering innovation without disruption.

Over the past 20 years, the functionality, interfaces, and number of stations managed by the system have significantly expanded. As Iarnród Éireann’s trusted partner, KeTech is now delivering a future-ready Customer Information System (CIS).

Irish Rail operates across a geographically diverse landscape, serving both rural and urban areas on a unified network. KeTech was first engaged in the late 1990s to design and deliver a networked information system for a small number of stations, centrally controlled from Dublin. A core requirement of the system was the ability to deliver live announcements via long line public address (PA), with the main constraint being the limitations of the copper wire communications infrastructure between stations.

With the rollout of a fibre network across Irish Rail’s infrastructure, KeTech was commissioned to expand the system – introducing new hardware and software at stations and upgrading the central control system.

By the late 2000s, it became clear that the original 1990s software could no longer meet the demands of the growing network. Irish Rail tasked KeTech with developing a new CIS, which was launched in 2012. This modern system replaced the original and extended coverage to more stations.

Twelve years later, as Irish Rail embarked on another major infrastructure upgrade, revamping its Train Management and signalling interface – KeTech was once again selected to deliver a substantial system upgrade, continuing its role as a key technology partner.

Challenge

The core requirement for this latest system is was technically complex: KeTech needed to replace its existing interface and replace it with a fully integrated, remote control model that would respond dynamically to inputs from Indra’s new system.

This included creating an entirely new software interface layer capable of:

• Receiving and processing TMS instructions for automated and live announcements
• Managing service disruption updates and bilingual messaging in English and Irish
• Synchronising real-time status feedback between KeTech and Indra platforms

The integration would also have to be deployed without interrupting ongoing passenger operations, within tight timelines, and with full compliance to Iarnród Éireann’s safety, reliability, and cybersecurity requirements.

Implementation

KeTech began with a collaborative design phase, working alongside Indra and Iarnród Éireann to define a robust Interface Control Document (ICD). Once the protocol and data schema were stabilised, KeTech’s in-house engineering teams modified the LLPA system software, replacing the legacy GUI with a new modular interface designed for automated data exchange.

The integration involved not just software enhancements but full system infrastructure upgrades. KeTech delivered new primary and backup servers for deployment at the NTCC and repurposed existing hardware for additional redundancy. This architecture was designed to ensure high availability, secure remote operability, and minimum interference.

A phased implementation approach allowed KeTech to complete initial deployments on-site, followed by remote roll-out and monitoring. Cybersecurity measures were embedded throughout, aligned with ISO27001 planning and Cyber Essentials standards.

KeTech brought to the project its deep sector knowledge in CIS and LLPA system design, integration, and delivery. Drawing on experience with complex deployments across UK networks – including Northern Rail, Chiltern Railways, and ScotRail – KeTech’s engineering and project management teams executed the work in line with a tightly defined programme.