Iarnród Éireann Announces Track Renewal on Dublin’s Busy Loop Line Over Christmas 2024

Iarnród Éireann Announces Track Renewal on Dublin’s Busy Loop Line Over Christmas 2024

November 27, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Business

Iarnród Éireann to Renew Track on Busy Dublin Rail Line

Iarnród Éireann will renew the track on the busy “loop line” between Dublin’s Connolly and Pearse Stations. This project will take place during the Christmas and New Year holiday from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The timing minimizes disruptions since passenger numbers are lower during this period.

This track renewal marks the first update in 20 years. The last work was done over Christmas 2004 and New Year 2005. The renewal will close the line between Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, with limited exceptions for Pearse to Grand Canal Dock services.

Service Changes:

  • December 26: No Iarnród Éireann services on St. Stephen’s Day.
  • December 27 to January 5:
    • Connolly to Grand Canal Dock: Closed.
    • DART services will run between Howth/Malahide and Connolly; and between Grand Canal Dock and Bray/Greystones.
    • Dublin Bus will accept rail tickets for customers traveling to/from the city center on the southside.
    • Intercity services to Rosslare Europort will require bus transfers between Connolly and Bray.
    • All Northern/Maynooth Commuter services will operate to/from Dublin Connolly only.

Exceptions:

  • New Year’s Eve (after 23:00): Closure is from Connolly to Pearse to accommodate late-night festival attendees. Southside DART services will run from Pearse to Bray/Greystones, while late-night services for Howth/Malahide and other destinations will operate to/from Connolly.

  • January 2 and 3 (06:00 to 18:00): Closure from Connolly to Pearse to assist early commuters. Southside DART services will also run between Pearse and Bray/Greystones.

Throughout the works, Connolly Station will remain operational, except for platform 7. Grand Canal Dock Station will remain fully operational as well.

Details of the Track Work:

The project will replace 4.2 kilometers of track, which includes 2.1 kilometers on each line. The use of synthetic sleepers and improved construction techniques will increase the design life of the line to 40 years, significantly longer than the previous installation.

The renewal is necessary as the current track, installed in 2004/5, has reached the end of its useful life. Continuing without these upgrades would lead to service delays and higher costs.

Iarnród Éireann apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these essential works.