| Ireland | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 An Iarnród Éireann 22000 ClassDMU at Drogheda MacBride station | |||||
| Operation | |||||
| National railway | Iarnród Éireann (Republic of Ireland) NI Railways (Northern Ireland) | ||||
| Statistics | |||||
| Ridership | 50 million (Republic of Ireland, 2019)[1] 15 million (Northern Ireland, 2017)[2] | ||||
| System length | |||||
| Total | 2,733 km (1,698 mi) | ||||
| Electrified | 53 km (33 mi) | ||||
| Freight only | 362 km (225 mi) | ||||
| Track gauge | |||||
| Main | 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) | ||||
| Electrification | |||||
| 1500 VDC | DART in Dublin | ||||
| Features | |||||
| Longest tunnel | Cork railway tunnel | ||||
| Longest bridge | Barrow Bridge | ||||
| No. stations | 147 | ||||
| |||||
Rail transport in Ireland (InterCity, commuter and freight) is provided byIarnród Éireann in theRepublic of Ireland and byNorthern Ireland Railways inNorthern Ireland.
Most routes in the Republic radiate fromDublin. Northern Ireland has suburban routes fromBelfast and two main InterCity lines, toDerry and cross-border to Dublin.
The accompanying map of the current railway network shows lines that are fully operational (in red), carrying freight only traffic (in black) and with dotted black lines those which have been "mothballed" (i.e. closed to traffic but potentially easy to re-open). Some airports are indicated but none are rail-connected, althoughKerry Airport andBelfast City Airport are within walking distance of a railway station. Both theCity of Derry Airport andBelfast International (Aldergrove) are near railway lines but not connected. Ports are marked, although few remain rail-connected.Dublin Port,Larne Harbour,Belview Port andRosslare Europort are ports that are still connected.
Ireland's only light rail service, namedLuas, is in Dublin. No metro lines currently exist in Ireland, but there is a plannedMetroLink line which would serve Dublin.
The first railway in Ireland opened in 1834. At its peak in 1920, Ireland had 5,600 km (3,480 mi) of railway; now only about half of this remains. A large area around the border has no rail service.
Ireland's first light rail line was opened on 30 June 2004.
Diesel traction is the sole form of motive power in both the IÉ and NIR networks, apart from the electrified Howth/Malahide-Greystones(DART) suburban route in Dublin. Apart from prototypes and a small number of shunting locomotives, the first majordieselisation programme in CIÉ commenced in the early 1950s with orders for 94 locomotives of two sizes (A and C classes) fromMetropolitan-Vickers which were delivered from 1955, with a further twelve (B class) locomotives fromSulzer in the late 1950s.Following poor reliability experience with the first generation diesel locomotives, in the 1960s a second dieselisation programme was undertaken with the introduction of sixty-four locomotives in three classes (121, 141 and 181) built by General Motors, of the United States. This programme, together with line closures, enabled CIÉ to re-eliminate steam traction in 1963, having previously done so on the CIÉ network prior to taking over its share of the Great Northern Railway. In parallel, NIR acquired three locomotives from Hunslet, of England, for Dublin-Belfast services. The Metropolitan-Vickers locomotives were re-engined by CIÉ in the early 1970s with General Motors engines.
The third generation of diesel traction in Ireland was the acquisition of eighteen locomotives from General Motors of 2475 h.p. output, designated the071 class, in 1976. This marked a significant improvement in the traction power available to CIÉ and enabled the acceleration of express passenger services. NIR subsequently purchased three similar locomotives for Dublin-Belfast services, which was the first alignment of traction policies by CIÉ and NIR.
A fourth generation of diesels took the form of thirty-four locomotives, again from General Motors, which arrived in the early 1990s. This was a joint order by IÉ and NIR, with thirty-two locomotives for the former and two for the latter. They were again supplied byGeneral Motors Electro-Motive Division. IÉ designated their locomotives the GM 201 class; numbered 201 to 234 (the NIR locomotives were later prefixed with an 8). These locomotives are the most powerful diesels to run in Ireland, and are of 3200 horsepower (2.5 MW), which enabled further acceleration of express services. The NIR locomotives, although shipped in NIR livery, were repainted in 'Enterprise' livery, as were six of the IÉ locomotives.
The 071 class are now used on freight services. NIR's three similar locomotives are numbered 111, 112 and 113. There is seldom more than one of these serviceable at a time.
NIR and IÉ both run suburban services using diesel multiple units (DMUs) – these are termed railcars in Ireland (seerail terminology).
| Class | Image | Type | Top speed | Number | Routes operated | Built | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mph | km/h | ||||||
| 2600 Class |  | Diesel multiple unit | 70 | 110 | 8 |
| 1993 |
| 2800 Class |  | 75 | 120 | 8 |
| 2000 | |
| 3000 Class | _(cropped).jpg) | 90 | 145 | 23 |
| 2003–2005 | |
| 4000 Class |  | 90 | 145 | 20 |
| 2010–2021 | |
| 22000 Class | | 100 | 160 |
|
| 2007–2012 | |
| 29000 Class |  | 75 | 120 | 29 |
| 2002–2005 | |
| a Only 6 Class 3000 units are equipped withCAWS, which allows them to operate in theRepublic of Ireland. b Only 9 Class 22000 are equipped withTPWS andAWS, which allows them to operate inNorthern Ireland. | |||||||
IÉ DMUs operate all InterCity services apart from Dublin to Cork and some Dublin to Belfast services[3]
There are 234 22000 Class carriages in total, being formed into the following sets:
Features of the InterCity railcar fleet include:[citation needed]
The primary DMU classes in operation include the 22000, 29000, 2800, 2600, 3000, and 4000 series.[citation needed]
Introduced between 2002 and 2005, the 29000 Class consists of 29 four-car sets built byCAF. These units primarily operate on suburban routes in the Greater Dublin area, offering a seating capacity of 185 per set.[citation needed]
The 2800 Class includes 10 two-car sets constructed by Tokyu Car Corporation in 2000. Initially deployed on regional services, these DMUs have been reassigned to various routes based on operational requirements, each set providing seating for 85 passengers.[citation needed]
Built by Tokyu Car Corporation and introduced in 1993, the 2600 Class comprises 17 two-car sets. These units were the first modern DMUs purchased for the network and were initially used on suburban services.[citation needed]
The 3000 Class DMUs, manufactured by CAF, were introduced between 2004 and 2005. This fleet consists of 23 three-car sets, each with a seating capacity of approximately 212 passengers.[citation needed]
The 4000 Class DMUs, also built by CAF, entered service between 2011 and 2012. The fleet comprises 20 sets, configured into both three-car and six-car formations. Each three-car set offers seating for 216 passengers, while six-car sets accommodate up to 442 passengers. These units feature enhanced seating capacity and fuel economy compared to earlier models. In 2018, an additional 21 vehicles were ordered to extend train lengths, facilitating longer formations and increased capacity.[citation needed]
Iarnród Éireann's flagship InterCity fleet are theMark 4.
Built byCAF of Spain in 2004–2005 they are formed into 8-carpush-pull sets.Each set contains (in order):
The Mark 4 trains have blue tinted windows, which help to create a cool journey for the passenger, electronic route maps showing train progress, electronic seat reservation displays and power points for laptops, or recharging tablets, MP3 players or mobile phones. Citygold customers on this fleet have the added features of adjustable seating, greater room and comfort and in-seat audio entertainment. They are used exclusively on the Dublin to Cork route; operating an hourly service each way.
The Mark 4 trains are capable of speeds of up to 125 mph (201 km/h), but are limited to a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h), due to the lines they run on and the locomotives that pull them.
The Dublin to Belfast 'Enterprise' service is operated jointly by IÉ and NIR withrolling stock fromDe Dietrich, commissioned in 1997. Four Mark 3 Generator vans were introduced in September 2012. Until then, 201 Class locomotives were required to supplyhead-end power (HEP) for heating and lighting. Since late 2024, with a timetable change increasing services up to every hour on Enterprise,[4]Translink Class 3000 andIrish Rail 22000 Class trains have also began running on the Enterprise.[5]
NIR also had a number of refurbishedClass 488 carriages acquired from theGatwick Express service and converted to run on theIrish1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) gauge. These were generally referred to as 'the Gatwicks'.[by whom?] They were in use from 2001 until June 2009.
Below is a list of all passenger routes on the island of Ireland. Please note the following when examining routes:
Stations served on this line are
This was known as the 'Premier Line' of theGreat Southern and Western Railway (GS&WR), being one of the longest routes in the country (266 km or 165 miles), built to a high standard and connecting to Galway, Limerick, Waterford andCounty Kerry, as well as toCork. These other destinations all have their own services, although connections are offered to/from the Cork service at Limerick Junction (for Limerick) and Mallow (for Kerry).As of 2019 the line is receiving a major upgrade focusing this year between Newbridge and Ballybrophy.[citation needed] There are possessions of most sections of the line every night to carry out relaying. There are also disruptions and cancellations on most weekends.[citation needed] All relaying is using a much heavier rail to give a much smoother ride on trains.[citation needed] The new track at 60 kg, is the same that is used on the TGV in France. As the upgrading continues there are speed restrictions which are affecting punctuality of trains.[citation needed] A new platform is under construction at Limerick Junction on the down line which will reduce conflicts and reduce journey times by 3–5 minutes.[citation needed] A fourth track is planned betweenPark West-Cherry Orchard and Heuston which is also intended to further reduce journey times.[citation needed] As of 2019, 13 out of 29 services on the route daily are delivered in 2 hours 30 mins or under.[citation needed] 11 trains operate the service in between 2 hours 30 mins and 2 hours 35 mins, with all services 2 hours 40 mins or less. An early morning express service from Cork to Dublin makes the non-stop journey in 2 hours 15 mins.[6][failed verification]
Stations served on this line are:
This service follows the Cork route as far as Limerick Junction. Limerick services leave the main line via a direct curve built in 1967, onto part of the formerWaterford and Limerick Railway (W&LR). The former two hourly timetable operated by 22000 Class railcars was cut back in November 2009 when the number of direct trains was reduced to three from Dublin to Limerick and four from Limerick to Dublin. On Sunday there are 6 trains in each direction. The remaining Dublin-Limerick-Ennis services involve a change at 'Limerick Junction' from a Dublin-Cork or Dublin-Tralee service onto alocal train for the remaining 30 minutes of the journey.
Stations served on this line are:
The present route, built by the GS&WR in competition with the MGWR, leaves the Cork main line just after Portarlington. TheRiver Shannon is crossed at Athlone. Athenry, the second last station before Galway, became a junction once again in 2010 with the reopening of the line to Limerick and would do so again if the planned reopening of the line toTuam proceeds in accordance withTransport 21. In February 2011 planning permission was obtained for a station atOranmore and opened 28 July 2013.All services are operated by 22000 Class railcars.
As of 2019, journey times range between 2 hours 11 minutes to 2 hours 37 minutes. 8 services operate in 2 hours 20 mins or less Monday to Friday.There are 9 direct trains in each direction Monday–Thursday. On Friday the 07:35 express Heuston goes to Westport instead of Galway but there is a connecting train to Galway from Athlone. For the college term there is an extra service from Galway to Dublin at 15:35.
Stations served on this line are:
This relatively indirect route runs along what is in essence a branch line connected to the Cork–Dublin mainline at Mallow. Trains run to/from the south of Tralee. As of 2017 there were eight trains fromMallow toTralee and nine trains the other way around. All services are operated by 22000 Class railcars, with the exception of the very early morning service from Tralee to Cork and some Sunday services (From Tralee to Cork via Mallow) which are operated by a 2-carriage 2600 Class Commuter set. There is one service a day from Dublin Heuston to Tralee in each direction Monday to Friday. On Sunday there is two trains from Heuston to Tralee and three from Tralee to Heuston. Journey times range from 3 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 53 minutes. On this line, Farranfore railway station provides a direct connection withKerry Airport.[citation needed]
Stations served on this line are:
Since Kilkenny is a stub station, reversal is necessary. Non Passenger trains such as the DFDS Freight train from Ballina to Waterford avoid Kilkenny by using Lavistown loop which joins both lines going into Kilkenny. Some passenger trains use the loop to reducing the journey time.[citation needed]
Stations served on this line are:
The line is served primarily by a22000 ClassDMU on Dublin–Westport. On the Manulla Junction – Ballina section a2800 Class diesel railcar operates.There are 3 services a day from Heuston to Westport and 5 From Westport to Heuston Monday to Thursday and on Friday the 07:35 Heuston to Galway goes to Westport and the 09:08 Athlone to Westport goes to Galway and then the 17:10 Heuston to Athlone is extended to Westport and there is 5 trains from Westport to Heuston. There is also 1 service daily from Athlone to Westport Monday to Thursday. Journey times range from 3 hours 6 minutes to 3 hours 44 minutes.[citation needed]
Stations served on this line are:
There are four end to end journeys in each direction Mondays to Fridays inclusive. There is a once-daily morning commuter service from Dundalk Clarke to Bray Daly and another from Drogheda MacBride to Bray Daly. In the evening, there is a once-daily commuter service from Dún Laoghaire Mallin to Dundalk Clarke, as well as a service from Bray to Drogheda MacBride.. On Saturdays and Sundays there are three end to end journeys each way plus a Gorey to Dundalk Commuter service. The 16:37 Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort Mondays to Fridays journey offers connectional opportunities into ships to Wales and France. Some peak services also stop at Lansdowne Road station as well and some services skip Kilcoole. This service has the slowest average speed at roughly 53 kilometres per hour. Services are either ICR's of 29000 commuter trains.[7][8]
A resignalling project in Dublin increases the ability of Iarnród Éireann to run 12 to 20 trains per hour in both directions through theHowth Junction to Grand Canal Dock line, which caters for Howth DARTs, Malahide DARTs, Northern Commuter trains, Belfast Enterprise services, Sligo InterCity and Maynooth Commuter services, as well as other services in theConnolly to Grand Canal Dock area.[9]
Stations served on this line are:
All services are operated by 22000 Class railcars with a service every 2 hours until 7 pm.The first Sunday service from Dublin is operated by 29000 Class railcars. This returns from Sligo at 6 pm.
Stations served on this line are:
This is a three times daily service with two trains departing in the morning and one in the evening. The service is run by a22000 Class.
Farranfore railway station connects withKerry Airport.
Stations served on this line are:
The Limerick–Waterford route is the only true non-radial (from Dublin) route still open in Ireland that is not a branch line. The route was commenced in 1848 by the Waterford & Limerick Railway and completed in 1854.
Timetabling, as of 2019, requires passengers to change at Limerick Junction. There are two services per day, each way, with no service on Sundays or Public Holidays. Timetabled journey times vary between 2hrs35mins & 2hrs43mins.
Stations served on this line are:
This service started 30 March 2010 with the reopening of theEnnis–Athenry line. Direct trains now travel fromLimerick toGalway with the Ennis commuter services have been subsumed into these.
All of the new stations are unstaffed. Gort has two platforms with lifts, bridges, ticket machines and a loop while Sixmilebridge, Ardrahan and Craughwell have just one platform each. In Gort the signal cabin has been restored and relocated and there is a small depot for permanent way crew. This reopening was the Phase One of the reopening of theWestern Rail Corridor. It involved the relaying of 58 km of track, rebuilding bridges, installation of signalling systems, level crossing upgrades and building the stations. The journey time between Limerick and Galway is just under 2 hours and there are 5 trains each way daily.
The line has seen some growth, with theIrish Times reporting that from 2013 to 2014, "the western rail corridor saw a 72.5 per cent increase from 29,000 to 50,000 journeys through the Ennis–Athenry section of the line", which was partly attributed to the introduction of online booking and promotional fares.[10]
Stations served on this line are:
Stations served on this line are:
Stations served on this line are:
Stations served on this line are:
Stations served on this line are:
Stations served on this line are:
The line branches from the Waterford line just outside Limerick at Killonan Junction. All trains on this line connect with Dublin trains atBallybrophy.
Current services on the line consist of two return passenger trains a day from Limerick. Following a campaign by The Nenagh Rail Partnership founded by local politicians and community representatives and assisted by the Internet news group Irish Railway News, a market research survey was funded by local Government. The market research was carried out in the summer of 2005 and showed there existed a market for improved services on the line. As a result of this study IÉ has committed to allocating additional rolling stock to the line as part of its ongoing fleet replacement programme. This line is subject to many speed restrictions due to the need to replace several old sections of track.
In October 2007, following a meeting between Iarnród Éireann management and The Nenagh Rail Partnership, it was confirmed that the new commuter service would be introduced between Nenagh and Limerick on Monday 1 September 2008. This was launched as planned on Monday 1 September 2008.
A news report in January 2012 suggested that Iarnród Éireann might seek permission from theNational Transport Authority to close the line,[11] but in February 2012 an enhanced timetable for the line was published, indicating that a decision to close has been deferred pending the outcome of the service upgrade.[12][needs update]
Services in Northern Ireland are sparse in comparison to the Republic or other countries. A large railway network was severely curtailed in the 1950s and 1960s (in particular by theUlster Transport Authority). Routes now include suburban services toLarne,Portadown/Newry andBangor, as well as services toDerry. There is also a branch fromColeraine toPortrush. On Northern Ireland Railways distances are quoted in miles and metres.[13]
Three suburban routes run on 20-minute frequencies in and out ofBelfast Grand Central, these routes then pass throughBelfast Lanyon Place before continuing onto destinations at Bangor, Derry and Larne
Stations served on this line are:
The service toDerry has suffered from a lack of funding over recent decades.[citation needed] The existing line is not continuously welded and has speed restrictions in parts. For some time the threat of closure hung over this route but a funding package of £20 million was confirmed in December 2005.[citation needed] The same month saw the introduction of the new CAF railcars on the line and despite the fact that the service remained slower than the Derry-Belfast Ulsterbus service, the improvements saw a rise in passenger numbers to over 1 million per annum.[citation needed] However, these in 2007 when it was revealed that the £20 million earmarked had not been spent while there had been a £20 million overspend on the Belfast–Bangor line,[14] and the "Into the West"[15] rail lobby group had proposed extending the line cross border intoCounty Donegal toLetterkenny and then on toSligo, thus releasing EU funding.[16]Currently,[when?] the department has partly completed a plan in place for Regional Development, for relaying of the track betweenDerry andColeraine by 2013, which includes a passing loop, and the introduction of two new train sets. The £86 million plan is expected to reduce the journey time betweenBelfast andDerry by 30 minutes and allow commuter trains to arrive in Derry before 0900 for the first time.[citation needed]
Stations served on this line are:
Stations served on this line are:
Stations served on this line are:
This cross border service, namedEnterprise, is jointly owned and run by Northern Ireland Railways and IÉ. Despite having some of the most modern InterCityrolling stock on the island, it has been dogged by numerous problems. An historical problem on this route has been disruption to services caused by security alerts (devices on the line, hoax devices, threats and warnings). These continue to the present day.
The punctuality on this service remains poor for other reasons. The InterCity route, despite being mostly high qualitycontinuous welded rail, is shared with suburban services outside both Belfast and Dublin.
A further problem was due to the locomotive and rolling stock arrangements. Unlike most other locomotive-hauled rolling stock in Ireland, generator vans were not part of the train – even the DVTs did not supply power. Thus the General Motors-built locomotives had to supplyhead-end power for lighting and heating throughout the train. Although many types of locomotive are well designed for this purpose, these particular locomotives had struggled under the extra strain. The wear on the locomotives and time out of service were unusually high. On at least two occasions locomotives had burst into flames while shuttling along the route. To avoid further damage, four Mark 3 Generator Vans entered service in September 2012.
The collapse of theMalahide Viaduct in late 2009 temporarily stopped all Enterprise services from Dublin to Belfast for 3 months.[17] The viaduct was repaired and the line re-opened in November 2009.[18]
The following freight services operate in Ireland :
Rail freight in Ireland declined in the early 21st century,[citation needed] and IÉ closed itscontainer rail freight business in July 2005, saying that the sector had accounted for 10% of its freight business, but 70% of its losses.[citation needed] Container freight levels had dropped to c.35 containers on three trains per day.[19] Yet Iarnród Éireann estimated that a minimum of eighteen 40-foot containers was needed for a commercially viable trainload. The impact of this will be about forty morelorries a day, described by Iarnród Éireann as a 'drop in the ocean' when compared to the 10,000 lorries entering Dublin Port every day.[citation needed]
Freight services no longer running include ammonia trains (fromShelton Abbey, Wicklow–Cork due to the closure of a fertiliser plant),[citation needed] nationwide bagged cement and beer keg freight,[citation needed] gypsum loads (Kingscourt–Dublin), and bulk cement (from cement factories at Platin near Drogheda and Castlemungret near Limerick to silos atSligo,Athenry,Cabra, Cork, Waterford,Tullamore and Belfast).[citation needed]
Other losses included services carrying fertilisers, grain, tar, scrap metal, molasses and coal.[citation needed] The last bulk cement flow to operate in Ireland (Castlemungret – Waterford) ended in December 2009 along with the Kilmastulla Quarry – Castlemungret Shale traffic, despite making profits in the region of €1.3 million in 2006.[citation needed]
Remaining freight traffic is supported by an agreement withCoillte to increase timber trains from Ballina to Belview from three to four weekly.[citation needed] This may[original research?] reflect the failure of the railway to dispose of its surplusClass 201 locomotives made surplus by the retirement of theMark 3 coach fleet.[citation needed]
Bord na Móna operates an extensive 1,930 km (1,199 mi)narrow-gauge railway. This is one of the largest industrial rail networks in Europe and is completely separate from Ireland's passenger rail system operated byIarnród Éireann. It is used to transportpeat from harvesting plots to processing plants and power stations of theElectricity Supply Board.
 | This sectionreads likea directory. Wikipedia policy generally considers directories in articles to be unencyclopedic and potentialspam. Pleaseimprove this article to conform to ahigher standard of quality, and to make it neutral in tone. If it cannot be properly modified, the article is likely to bemerged,redirected, ordeleted.(May 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Ireland has a small heritage railway scene, with some substantial and long-running groups operating, while most are small affairs.[citation needed] There are a couple of railtour-operating groups, one 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) self-contained railway, and a few groups with short lines.
Heritage bodies in Ireland include theRailway Preservation Society of Ireland which is based in Whitehead, County Antrim and also has an operational base in Dublin. It runs preserved steam trains on several main lines around Ireland. Other bodies include theIrish Traction Group, which preserves diesel locomotives including an example atCarrick-on-Suir station, four atMoyasta, and five at theDCDR.[citation needed]
Heritage railways include the:
The Irish Railway Record Society has a library of Irish railway documents atHeuston station and charters an annualrailtour. The Modern Railway Society of Ireland promoted interest in modern-day Irish Railways and charters occasional railtours, before it was wound up in 2024.
There are a number of museums, most concerned with the 3 ft (914 mm) gauge, and restored railway stations around Ireland:
A public consultation for a cross-border review of the inter-city railway network was launched jointly by the Irish Minister for Transport and Northern Irish Minister for Infrastructure in November 2021,[24] with over 8,000 responses to the consultation. A draft report of the Rail Review was published on 25 July 2023.[25] The review recommended the reopening of many lines, and the creation of new lines, particularly in the northwest. It also recommended doubling and electrifying numerous stretches of track, and the creation ofquadruple track and alternative routes to separate intercity from suburban services close to Dublin and Belfast. The review envisages the reopening of an alternative route fromBelfast toDerry via the old “DerryRoad”, as well as the Portadown to Mullingar line in the medium term.[26]
The first stage of the reopening of theWestern Rail Corridor, betweenEnnis andAthenry, was completed in 2009. The section between Athenry andClaremorris is recommended to be opened under the All Island Strategic Rail Review, and has been proposed by the Government as part of theTrans-European Transport Network.[27] The section between Claremorris andCollooney was not included under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.[25]
Phase One of theDublin–Navan railway line was completed by Iarnród Éireann in September 2010, with Dublin's Western Commuter services travelling as far asDunboyne and theM3 Parkway railway station. Phase Two of the line, connecting M3 Parkway to Navan viaDunshaughlin andKilmessan, was deferred following thePost-2008 Irish economic downturn.[28] The status of this proposal was downgraded from “implementation” to “review” in August 2019.[29] Construction of line was included under the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, 2022-2042.[30]
Prior to 2010, there was a single service each way from Waterford to Rosslare stretch, operated by 2700 Class railcars taking just over 1 hour. The service closed for passenger services on 18 September 2010. The reopening of the line is recommended to be opened under the All Island Strategic Rail Review,[25] and has been proposed by the Government as part of theTrans-European Transport Network.[31]
A proposed tunnel, connecting Heuston Station and Pearse Station and onwards to the Northern Commuter line, referred to as the DART Underground, is not planned to see any development until sometime "after 2042",[32][33] but is recommended as a long-term intervention under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.[25]
TheShannon Foynes Port Company has been seeking reinstatement of theLimerick to Foynes Railway Line, which last operated in 2000,[34] as part of their expansion plans. The route is under reconstruction and is due for reopening for freight in early 2024.[35] Passenger services on the route are envisaged under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.[25]
MetroLink is proposed to run from a stop, Estuary, nearSwords north of Dublin to theBeechwood Luas stop south of the city centre, viaDublin Airport andSt. Stephen's Green. Its route proposes mainly elevated tracks in the greater Swords area, with a tunnel running from north of Dublin Airport to Charlemont. As of July 2022, the project was proposed to begin construction in 2025 and that, "all going well" it could be in operation by 2035.[36]
There have been, at various points, plans or proposals to extend Luas to Swords, Dublin Airport, Lucan, Bray, and Old Fassaroe.
There have also beenproposals to create a Luas-style system inCork City. These include plans byCork City Council, published within the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy document in 2019.[37]
The potential to reopen a number of railway lines in Northern Ireland has included speculation on such lines as the line betweenAntrim andCastledawson.[38][39]
The reopening of thethird line betweenBelfast Grand Central andAdelaide is suggested.[40]
In July 2020, during aNorth/South Ministerial Council meeting, it was proposed to undertake a feasibility study on a possible high-speed line between Belfast and Cork via Dublin.[41]
In February 2018 theIrish Independent reported that theNational Transport Authority favoured building four new DART stations, three linked to a new DART operation fromHeuston, including near Cross Guns Bridge in Cabra, withinGlasnevin, and at a Docklands location, along with a new station north of Bray, atWoodbrook.[42] Calls to open or reopen stations on existing lines have been floated over the years, includingKishoge railway station, which was structurally completed in 2009 but only opened in August 2024.[43]
In Northern Ireland, Translink have opened new transport hubs in both Belfast (2024) calledBelfast Grand Central Station[44][45] and Derry (2021) called theNorthwest Transport Hub.[46]
In 2017, increasing demand ledIarnród Éireann to issue tenders for the refurbishment of 102700 class sets, which had been held in storage for 6 years with the intention of planned use aroundLimerick from early 2019. The displaced trains are intended for use in theGreater Dublin Area.[47]
As of early 2018, Iarnród Éireann announced plans to procure new DART trains capable of operating on both diesel and electric power. In 2021, supported by the National Transport Authority, Iarnród Éireann partnered with Alstom to develop new electric and battery-electric trains, which are scheduled to enter service in 2026.[48][49][50]
As of 2018, NI Railways had plans to invest in a third wave of new trains to meet growing demand.[51][needs update]
As of 2018, a campaign was underway to preserve four 80 Class vehicles at theDownpatrick and County Down Railway, with hopes of bringing them to the heritage railway by the end of 2018.[52] Also in 2018, one of the twoCavan and Leitrim Railway steam locomotives, No. 3 ''Lady Edith'', was proposed to be repatriated by theWest Clare Railway (from theNew Jersey Museum of Transportation).[53][needs update]
