Investment on track

More than €90 million is to be spent on improving the Cork-Dublin train line, it was confirmed this week.

The works aim to cut journey times by eight-ten minutes. It will also futureproof the line to accommodate 200km/h speeds at a later stage.

Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan TD announced Government approval for additional funding of €94.5 million on Tuesday for the heavy rail network. Most of the funding, €91.5 million, will be spent on line improvements on the Cork-Dublin railway line.

This substantially increased funding is proposed for Iarnród Éireann and will be assigned to the existing Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) which provides the funding and governance oversight framework for the rail network and its infrastructure.

Minister Ryan said: “We made a clear commitment to public transport in the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan. Yesterday we made a big commitment to the DART+ Fleet, and today we are demonstrating our commitment to mainline rail services, both of which will help us achieve our climate goals. (The) funding will also provide an enhanced passenger service on the Dublin-Cork line, and encourage more people to switch from car to rail.” The IMMAC sets out a five-year contractual arrangement between the Minister and Iarnród Éireann.

Funding provided under the IMMAC investment programme is separate to funding provided for other rail related projects such as the recently approved DART+ Programme.

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “We welcome the continuing funding under the IMMAC, and additional funding which will equip us for improved journey times, and climate resilience and sustainability. Furthermore, it will create 150 additional jobs during 2022.”