Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) is a step closer to the reintroduction of freight services on the Limerick to Foynes rail line, as the laying of 42km of new track is now complete.

During the past 27 months, Iarnród Éireann, along with project partners Sisk, have completed the removal of all original rail line infrastructure, followed by a complete renewal and relaying of 42km of track, sleepers and track bed.

Other key elements undertaken by this €151.5 million project to date include;

• The removal, restoration and reinstatement of the River Maigue and River Deel bridges
• Construction of a new 46m span bridge to replace Robertstown Viaduct
• The upgrading and reinstatement of 13 public road level crossings
• Installation of duct and drainage routes
• Renewal of user worked level crossings
• Boundary fencing works as required along the length of the line

The line is planned to come into operation in 2026. The project now enters its next phase with works to be undertaken over the next 18 months including:

• Specialist in house teams will deliver the signalling & telecoms infrastructure to enable trains to operate over the line
• Closure of user worked level crossings by structures
• Refurbishment of Foynes Station building
• Installation and testing of CCTV at the 13 public road level crossings, a significant safety improvement over previous gated crossings

Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann said: “The reinstatement of the freight line between Limerick and Foynes is essential to building freight transportation connections and providing opportunity for businesses to switch from road freight to more sustainable rail freight in the future. This milestone completion of the track laying on the line means we are a step closer to delivering a reliable, frequent and, most importantly, sustainable logistics option for many companies that currently use and will, in the future, use the Port of Foynes.”

Paul Brown, CEO, Sisk said: “Track laying completion marks another major project milestone for our Infrastructure team who have made making significant progress to date including the removal, restoration and reinstatement of the River Maigue and River Deel bridges. We would like to thank all our team and track laying partner, Steconfer who have installed 66,000 sleepers and look forward to supporting Iarnród Éireann to deliver the final phase of the project.”

Limerick to Foynes Freight Line

The 42km stretch of railway between Limerick city and Foynes Port originally opened in 1858 but has been inactive since 2001. The line remained under the stewardship of Iarnród Éireann and is being renewed to support the reintroduction of rail freight services.

Iarnród Éireann Rail Freight 2040 Strategy will position rail at the centre of Ireland’s freight transport system, creating connections and giving greater opportunity for business to switch from road freight to more sustainable rail freight.

Reopening of the line, working with Shannon Foynes Port Company, we will deliver a reliable, frequent, and sustainable logistics option for many companies that currently or in the future will use the port of Foynes.

Key project milestones outlined below:

Project Timeline	Key Project Milestones
December 2022	·         Construction contract awarded to Sisk
Throughout 2023	·         March – Vegetation clearance and removal of existing track began ·         May – Boundary fencing installation commenced / Works commenced on Robertstown Viaduct ·         September – River Maigue Bridge removed for restoration works / Delivery of new rail for the project commenced
Throughout 2024	·         January – Clearance of vegetation and old track completed ·         February – Replacement track formation and installation of new ballast begins ·         April – River Deel Bridge reinstalled/Track laying of new rail and concrete sleepers begins ·         September – River Maigue Bridge reinstated ·         October – Tamping, signalling and telecommunications works began
March 2025	·         Track laying fully complete
Throughout 2025	·         Signalling and telecommunications works continue
During 2026	·         Planned completion of all works and first freight services enter operation