Iarnród Éireann Launches CONNECT Rail Project: Dublin-Cork & Limerick Upgrade

Iarnród Éireann’s ambitious CONNECT rail project, backed by significant European Union and Irish Government funding, has commenced with the goal of revolutionising intercity rail travel across Ireland. The initiative aims to modernize infrastructure, slash carbon emissions, and deliver significantly faster, more frequent, and sustainable services for passengers, particularly on the vital Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Limerick corridors.

The CONNECT project is a cornerstone of Iarnród Éireann’s RAIL2050 strategy, designed to create a high-capacity, low-carbon rail network that will serve future generations. Mott MacDonald has been tasked with developing a comprehensive implementation strategy and a detailed decarbonisation roadmap. This will be underpinned by in-depth technical studies and extensive stakeholder engagement to ensure the project aligns with national and EU climate objectives and effectively addresses the infrastructure, service, and policy interventions required for a sustainable transport future.

Strategic Impact

Early insights from the project indicate that substantial journey time reductions, potentially up to 30 minutes on key intercity routes, are achievable through targeted infrastructure enhancements and the adoption of higher line speeds, aiming for up to 200km/h. When combined with the planned introduction of a new electric fleet, these improvements hold the promise of dramatically shortening travel times between Dublin and Cork and Dublin and Limerick, contingent on further investment. The ambitious goals extend beyond operational efficiency, with the project expected to more than double annual intercity passenger numbers by 2050, significantly contributing to regional economic balance and Ireland’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Operational Details

The initiative is poised to play a crucial role in supporting Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and the EU Green Deal by facilitating a substantial modal shift from private car usage to rail. This transition is vital for reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and fostering sustainable urban and regional development. The focus on the Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Limerick corridors acknowledges their critical importance to Ireland’s social and economic connectivity, making them prime candidates for transformative upgrades that will benefit a large segment of the traveling public.

Industry Context

For railway operators and infrastructure developers globally, the CONNECT project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to addressing the dual challenges of capacity expansion and decarbonisation. The project’s emphasis on a holistic strategy, encompassing infrastructure, operational speeds, fleet modernization, and policy integration, offers a blueprint for similar initiatives in other regions. As the transport sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact while meeting growing demand, the success of CONNECT could serve as a powerful case study, influencing investment decisions and technological adoption across the international rail landscape and reaffirming rail’s position as a key enabler of sustainable mobility.