One of the country's busiest rail corridors is set for a significant upgrade, with Irish Rail proposing additional tracks and more frequent services between Dublin Connolly and Malahide to address long-standing congestion and overcrowding.
The proposals form part of the FourNorth programme, the initial details of which are being published today.
The route, which is currently served by just two tracks, accommodates northside DART services, Northern Commuter trains, the Belfast Enterprise and rail freight, creating capacity constraints that can lead to delays across the wider network.
The FourNorth programme will recommend expanding the corridor's rail infrastructure, including the addition of extra tracks, to increase capacity and allow more frequent passenger services.
“Today, even small disruptions ripple across the network,” Irish Rail said.
“FourNorth aims to address these challenges by removing critical bottlenecks and unlocking additional capacity for rail movements. This will allow trains to flow more smoothly through the corridor, improving timetable performance and making better use of the existing network.”
Work has commenced on the programme, which is funded by the Department of Transport and the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility Transport programme.
Irish Rail Chief Executive Mary Considine said the project would play a key role in strengthening the region's rail network.
“FourNorth is about more than new tracks,” she said.
“It is about building a resilient, high-capacity rail corridor that supports everyday journeys and strengthens regional connections. We look forward to developing and confirming the preferred option throughout the remainder of this year, and to the input of our customers and the communities we serve.”
The project is currently in the early design and option development stage, with public consultation expected to begin later this year. The engagement process will include online information, postal updates, public exhibitions and community information sessions.
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said the project would build on existing investment in the Northern Line.
“This Government is already making investments in the Northern Line to help ease rail congestion,” he said.
“Passing loops and turnback facilities are to be delivered at Mosney, Skerries, Malahide and Clongriffin in the next few years, supported by funding from the EU and the Shared Island Fund.”
