Iarnród Éireann says it has spent €250,000 on the removal of graffiti on its trains so far this year.

The figures were announced to highlight this growing problem for the rail company.

This money has been spent on the removal of graffiti from trains right across the country - the majority of which has taken place in the greater Dublin area.

This figure is only for rolling stock, with further hundreds of thousands being spent for removal of graffiti on buildings, bridges and tunnels across the network.

The company says it has been proactive in using anti-graffiti paint treatment for its trains - but despite this, graffiti remains a huge problem.

The company employs security to cover its depots, but says that catching offenders can prove difficult.

But it adds that a number of successful prosecutions have been taken against offenders.

"Not only does graffiti hit Iarnród Éireann in the pocket, it also inconveniences customers with train sets having to be taken out of service to have graffiti removed", the firm says.

Rita Butterly is corporate communications manager with Irish Rail.

She says this can contribute to overcrowding on some services.