PROJECTS TO THE VALUE OF €600M APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT INCLUDE 41 ADDITIONAL TRAIN CARRIAGES

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, has announced Government approval of €600m projects – for the proposed purchase of 41 additional rail carriages to increase capacity across the Greater Dublin Area rail network in addition to a €447 million roads investment in Co Limerick. Government approval to purchase the additional rail cars, at a cost of €150 million, will see the carriages enter service in the Greater Dublin Area by 2021, providing 34% increased capacity at peak times.

New Road Scheme

In Limerick, a new roads scheme between Limerick and Foynes, including a by-pass of Adare village will now be submitted to An Bord Pleanála seeking planning permission. This proposed road scheme will deliver many benefits for the Mid-West region and for the Port of Foynes, which is a designated Tier 1 Port of national significance. The reduction of congestion in Adare village is also a key priority. The provision of a high-quality dual carriageway link between Shannon-Foynes Port and the M21 at Rathkeale can facilitate further growth and expansion of the Port, leading to increased economic activity in the region and further employment opportunities.

Expansion

The proposed expansion of the GDA commuter rail fleet will increase capacity by approximately 34% in the AM peak time across the Kildare Line, Maynooth Line and Northern Line. The additional carriages will be used with the existing InterCity Railcar (ICR) fleet resulting in longer train sets which can be used across the GDA commuter network, as well as providing additional services on the Maynooth and Northern Lines.

The project will be delivered by Iarnród Éireann and overseen by the National Transport Authority with funding provided as part of Project Ireland 2040.