Saturday the 23rd of June sees the Big Hitters come to Belfast for the RSA Challenge. Come and Support Ireland as they take on the World's Number 1 Ranked side, Australia, at the Stormont grounds in Belfast. A great day out will be in store as you can watch Irish World Cup Record Breakers Paul Stirling & Kevin O'Brien take on Australia's Big Hitters David Warner & Shane Watson. Ireland are fresh from qualifying for a fantastic 5th ICC World Event having won the ICC World Twenty20 Qualfiers and they will be looking to add Australia to their list of big name scalps.
 
It will be a full day’s entertainment with the action starting at 10.45am. The One-Day International will see the World’s Best come up against each other as World-Class cricket returns to Belfast. So get behind your country and support Ireland.

 
Match tickets for the RSA Challenge are available now on www.ticketmaster.ie

Iarnród Éireann wishes to advise customers that work will commence on 21^st May for a period of approx. 6 weeks to replace the lifts at Clontarf Road station.

Due to this essential work there will be no lift service for the duration of this work.

Persons requiring assistance should contact Clontarf Road station 01 888 0203.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused.

There was torrential rain in the Greater Dublin area on the evening in question, with flooding occurring in many areas around the city.

In relation to the flooding at the Dodder Bridge, Iarnród Éireann commissioned the study to establish the factors leading to the flooding at the bridge, particularly as considerable scour damage to the bridge occurred during the flood event which led to the subsequent closure of the rail line for eleven days, and as there was local concern that scaffolding on the bridge for maintenance purposes may have exacerbated flooding in the area.

Fluvio R&D Limited, led by Professor Eamonn McKeogh, Professor of Hydrology at University College Cork, were commissioned to complete the study, which involved a hydrology study, a computer-based model and a laboratory-based physical model. Modelling included simulating the flooding which would have occurred and performance of the bridge with and without the scaffolding being present, amongst other modelling.

The study has found:

- The flooding in the area was caused by the high flood flow of the River Dodder

- The scaffolding and build-up of debris at the River Dodder Bridge did not exacerbate flooding in the area

- A build-up of debris would have occurred without the scaffolding being present due to the low soffit level of the bridge

- The scaffolding and debris led to greater scour damage in the vicinity of the bridge abutment, and the flow of water which this allowed actually served to reduce flood levels in the area

Click here to download a full copy of the Fluvio R&D report.

The initiative, entitled “The Journey’s On Us”, will provide up to €200,000 worth of group travel to organisations in the sector who apply for the scheme in 2012.

Under the initiative, 100 groups of up to 50 people per group will receive a free return group travel journey from Iarnród Éireann, across any of the company’s services. The travel facilities will be ideal in particular for organisations bringing a group to a special event, or as part of a specific support to the members of the group which requires travel.

Further information and terms and conditions are available at www.irishrail.ie/journeys

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Dick Fearn said of the initiative “the role of the railway is to connect communities. Through this exciting new initiative, we will help those who do most to bring communities together, and we anticipate to a strong response from groups in this sector from around the country. We want to hear of the excellent work being done, and how this new initiative can help that work.”

The initiative is also being supported by The Mooney Show on RTÉ Radio 1.

The judging panel was comprised of industry leaders from both the public and private sector. The judges were fulsome in the praise for the redevelopment of the website stating that: "irishrail.ie were worthy winners for the re-design and re-development of their web-site which included major improvements in accessibility".

A special commissioned trophy was presented to Iarnród Éireann by Minister for Public Expenditure and reform. The awards are run jointly by the Public Sector Times newspaper, and web usage & web strategy experts, Elucidate, raise awareness and recognise the innovators , developers, forward thinkers and experts who are pioneering the changes happening in how the Irish Government delivers services to its citizens.

From all at irishrail.ie we would like thank you, the users for all your input, suggestions and feedback during the design and implementation process on the new website. We continue to strive to provide the best value and customer experience for all users of Irishrail.ie

Rates for parking are:

- €1.50 per hour

- €8.00 per 24 hours

Customers can also pay using Parkbytext for €7.00 per 24 hours.  The Parkbytext code for Heuston Station is 1278.  The Parkbytext customer helpline is 0818 444999 and more information on how to use the service is available at www.parkbytext.ie

Customers paying cash should ensure that a valid pay ticket is clearly displayed in their car window for the full duration of parking.  Pay car parking applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We have compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to make it easy for you to understand what to expect with 3-D Secure.

LAST UPDATED: 13th April 2012

Q. NEW - I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Internet Explorer - what's happening?

A. A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving an 'Internet Explorer cannot display this webpage' at the verification stage.

This maybe because of a setting in your Internet Explorer options (it should be enabled by default but maybe inadvertently disabled on some computers).

Please follow these instructions if using Internet Explorer (ensure you are using the latest version):

• In Internet Explorer, press “Tools” > select “Internet options” > select “Advanced” tab
• Scroll down towards the bottom and ensure “Use TLS 1.0” is ticked, then press OK
• Close the browser, reopen it and start from www.irishrail.ie again

Q. NEW - I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Firefox - what's happening?

A. A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving a 'the connection was interrupted' error message at the verification stage.

This maybe because of a setting in your Firefox options (it should be enabled by default but maybe inadvertently disabled on some computers).

Please follow these instructions if using Firefox (ensure you are using the latest version):

• In Firefox, press “Options” > select “Advanced” tab
• Press the “Encryption” sub-tab and ensure “Use TLS 1.0” is ticked, then press OK
• Close the browser, reopen it and start from www.irishrail.ie again

Q. NEW - I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Opera - what's happening?

A. A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving a 'Could not connect to proxy server' at the verification stage.

This maybe because of a setting in your Opera options (it should be enabled by default but maybe inadvertently disabled on some computers).

Please follow these instructions if using Opera (ensure you are using the latest version):

• In Opera, press “Tools” > select “Preferences”
• Press the “Advanced” tab and select "Security" to the left
• Press "Security Protocols" and ensure “Enable TLS 1” is ticked, then press OK
• Close the browser, reopen it and start from www.irishrail.ie again

Q. NEW - I am using Google Chrome - I don't seem to be experiencing any problems?

A. To date, a small minority of customers seem to be experiencing difficulties in Internet Explorer and Firefox only.  We will continue monitoring this and bring you any updates for Chrome if necessary.

If you would like to use Google Chrome as your preferred browser, it can be downloaded free from www.google.com/chrome

Q. NEW - I am using Safari - I don't seem to be experiencing any problems?

A. To date, a small minority of customers seem to be experiencing difficulties in Internet Explorer and Firefox only.  We will continue monitoring this and bring you any updates for Safari if necessary.

• What is 3D Secure?
• How does it work?
• Who developed 3D Secure?
• Why was 3D Secure developed?
• Why is it called ‘3D Secure’?
• Why is Iarnród Éireann adopting 3D Secure now?
• Were my ticket purchases secure before 3D Secure?
• I haven’t used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?
• Do I need to update my credit card or get a new one before using 3D Secure?
• I have a Laser debit card, how does 3D Secure affect me?
• I purchase online using a company credit / purchasing card, how does it affect me?
• I purchase online using a prepaid debit card, can I still purchase on irishrail.ie?
• Is 3D Secure free?
• Do I need special software for 3D Secure?
• Will 3D Secure add extra time to my purchasing experience?
• I have used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?
• What password should I select?
• I can’t remember my 3D Secure Password, who do I contact?
• Are there any alternatives to payment with 3D Secure?
• I don't wish to register with 3D Secure - can I still pay online?
• How can I find out more details about 3D Secure?
• What cards does irishrail.ie accept online?
• What does my bank or card provider say about 3D Secure?
• What will I expect to see?
• How do different cards behave?

Q. What is 3D Secure?

A. 3D Secure is a protocol used as an added layer of security for online credit and debit card transactions. This is achieved by adding another authentication step for online payments; a password.

Q. How does it work?

A. If you haven’t purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be redirected to your issuing credit card’s secure website where you must verify some personal details and select a password. This is integrated into our checkout page.  You must never disclose this password to anyone – this is how you guarantee your card is secure. Do not write your password down anywhere.

Q. Who developed 3D Secure?

A. It was developed by Visa and named “Verified by Visa”.  MasterCard then developed a service based on the same protocol called “MasterCard® SecureCode™”.

Q. Why was 3D Secure developed?

A. It was developed to improve the security of Internet payments by offering an extra layer of security to customers before making a purchase online.  This involves selecting a password.  This ensures your credit card cannot be used fraudulently as only you will know the associated password.

Q. Why is it called ‘3D Secure’?

A. '3D Secure' stands for "3 Domain Secure" as there are 3 parties involved in the online payment process:  irishrail.ie, our Bank, and Visa or MasterCard.

Q. Why is Iarnród Éireann adopting 3D Secure now?

A. At Iarnród Éireann, we want our customers to purchase tickets and services on our website confidentially and securely.  By adding this extra step to the purchasing process, you can now be satisfied that your purchases on irishrail.ie are made by you and you alone.

Q. Were my ticket purchases secure before 3D Secure?

A. All your previous purchases through irishrail.ie have been secure and there is nothing to worry about.  This additional step simply removes the possibility of someone else using your card fraudulently.  Irishrail.ie has always used the strongest security standards and will continue to do so.

Q. I haven’t used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?

A. If you haven’t purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be redirected to your issuing credit card’s secure website where you must verify some personal details and select a password. This is integrated into our checkout page.  You must never disclose this password to anyone – this is how you guarantee your card is secure. Do not write your password down anywhere.

Q. Do I need to update my credit / debit card or get a new one before using 3D Secure?

A. No, your existing card can be used.

Q. I have a Laser debit card, how does 3D Secure affect me?

A. Your Laser card can be used once it is a Maestro card. Laser (Maestro) cards are processed through the “MasterCard® SecureCode™” element of 3D Secure. If you have a Visa debit card, it is processed through the “Verified by Visa” programme. Laser only cards are not accepted.

Q. I purchase online using a company credit / purchasing card, can I still purchase on irishrail.ie?

A. Yes, as company credit or purchasing cards are not personalised, the 3D Secure check will complete automatically without seeking a 3D Secure password verification.

Q. I purchase online using a prepaid debit card, can I still purchase on irishrail.ie?

A. Yes, as prepaid debit cards are not associated to a specific person the 3D Secure check will complete automatically without seeking a 3D Secure password verification. However. you may be required to register your prepaid debit card before using it, please see back of card or accompanying information in order to register.

Q. Is 3D Secure free?

A. Yes, 3D Secure is a free service provided by Visa and MasterCard.

Q. Do I need special software for 3D Secure?

A. No, 3D Secure will operate in your web browser as a webpage – you will not need to download any additional software or plugins.

Q. Will 3D Secure add extra time to my purchasing experience?

A. The 3D Secure authentication process is smoothly integrated into our online checkout process and will usually only add a few seconds to the normal transaction time. We believe this is a small price to pay for increased protection for our customers.

Q. I have used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?

A. If you have purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before, you will be asked to submit your chosen password during the purchasing process. You will be familiar with the process.

Q. What password should I select?

A. The password you decide to use should be chosen in such a way that nobody else can guess it. A secure password is ideally

• A minimum of 8 characters (preferably longer) in length
• A mixture of letters, numbers and characters
• Never use a dictionary word or anything which might be associated with you (eg. birthdays, pet names etc.)
• You should select a password that only you can memorise – do not write it down anywhere
• Do not select a password that is the same as your irishrail.ie account.

Q. I can’t remember my 3D Secure Password, who do I contact?

A. If you can’t remember your 3D Secure password you need to contact your bank or in the 3D Secure section there will be an option to select "Forgotten Password" or "Retrieve Password".  Follow the instructions provided.

We don’t save your 3D Secure password on any Iarnród Éireann computer system; when you selected your password this was saved only on your bank’s computer system.

Iarnród Éireann will never contact a customer to ask for your 3D Secure password and we cannot help you retrieve forgotten 3D Secure passwords.

Q. Are there any alternatives to payment with 3D Secure?

A. If you have been unsuccessful in making a payment through 3D Secure please contact our sales hotline on 1850 366 222 (between 08.30-18.00, Monday to Friday) to make your payment over the phone.

Q. I don't wish to register with 3D Secure - can I still pay online?

A. Unfortunately not. Instead you will need to contact our sales hotline on 1850 366 222 (between 08.30-18.00, Monday to Friday) to make your payment over the phone.

Q. How can I find out more details about 3D Secure?

A. For further details on 3D Secure you need to contact your issuing bank or the following websites:

• Verified by Visa - Information and Activation
• Verified by Visa - Demonstration of using Verified by Visa (Flash plugin Required)
• MasterCard SecureCode – Explanation, Sign up & Demonstration

Q. What cards does irishrail.ie accept online?

A. MasterCard, VISA and Laser (Maestro) cards are accepted. Laser only cards are not accepted.

Q. What does my bank or card provider say about 3D Secure?

• Bank of Ireland
• AIB
• Ulster Bank
• Permanent TSB
• National Irish Bank (NIB)

Q. What will I expect to see?

A. On the payment details page, you enter your credit or debit card details as normal, select where you will collect your tickets, and press the “Place Order Now” button as below:

On the next page, card verification will begin. Read the supporting text and then press the green “Continue” button to start the communication process with your bank to validate your card. This will happen to the right of this text. In this panel, any details you enter is through a direct secure link with your bank. Irishrail.ie has no control over what the bank will ask you, and we do not record any information you enter into this panel.

Here’s an example of a Visa card starting the verification process:

Here’s an example of a MasterCard starting the verification process:

Here’s an example of a Laser (Maestro) card starting the verification process:

In all cases, when you press the green "Continue" button, the bank's 3D Secure interface will load to the right hand side.

To give you an idea of what to expect in the right hand panel, here’s an example of a Bank of Ireland interface using a Visa card:

Here’s an example of an AIB interface using a MasterCard:

Please note that depending on your card issuer and bank, different security questions may be asked.  Irishrail.ie have no control over what is displayed in the bank's credit card interface - just follow the instructions onscreen.

Q. How do different cards behave?

A. Scenario 1 – ALL CARDS: If your card issuer hasn’t implemented 3D Secure, you will continue your payment transaction as normal;

Scenario 2a - MASTERCARD: If your bank has implemented 3D Secure but you have not registered for 3D Secure before, you may have 3 attempts to skip the 3D Secure process – on the fourth attempt you must complete the transaction through the 3D Secure process by registering a 3D Secure password;

Scenario 2b - VISA: If your bank has implemented 3D Secure but you have not registered for 3D Secure, you must complete the transaction through the 3D Secure process by registering a 3D Secure password – there are no options to bypass;

Scenario 2c – LASER (MAESTRO): If your bank has implemented 3D Secure but you have not registered for 3D Secure, you must complete the transaction through the 3D Secure process by registering a 3D Secure password;

• When registering for the first time, you must first verify you are the cardholder by answering some security questions as chosen by your bank (eg. your mother’s maiden name, your credit card limit, your CCV number, your expiry date amongst other potential questions);

• If successful, you select a 3D Secure password, a password reminder hint and a personal greeting;

• If unsuccessful, you must ring your card issuing bank (depending on your card issuer, you may have three attempts to enter your password);

• The personal greeting gives you confidence you are visiting a trusted site the next time you complete a 3D Secure transaction on irishrail.ie or any other 3D Secure enabled website.

Scenario 3 – ALL CARDS: If your card issuer has implemented 3D Secure and you have previously registered a 3D Secure password (on irishrail.ie or any other 3D Secure website), you have to insert your 3D Secure password to complete the transaction. You will see your personal greeting that you previously set (eg. Welcome back John) to reassure you that you are on a trusted 3D Secure page. If you cannot remember your password, there is a password reset facility. Depending on the card issuer, you may have three attempts to insert your correct password.

In addition to the normal train schedule every day, Iarnród Éireann is operating a number of special trains for the International Eucharistic Congress,  in June 2012.

Tuesday 12th June

Waterford to Sandymount - The following special will operate on behalf of the Ossary Diocese, Waterford. The special train will depart Waterford at 06:40hrs, serving Thomastown (07:03hrs), Kilkenny (07:18hrs), Muine Bheag (07:37hrs), Carlow (07:49hrs), Athy (08:02hrs) and Kildare (08:25hrs) arriving in Sandymount, Dublin at 09:26hrs. The train returns from Sandymount Station at 22:00hrs, serving the above stations.

Wednesday 13th June

Midleton to Sandymount - The following special will operate on behalf of the Diocese of Cloyne.The Special train will depart Midleton at 05.55hrs, serving Carrigtwohill (06:00hrs), Cork (06:25hrs), Mallow (06:47hrs), Charleville (07:02hrs) and Limerick Junction (07:24hrs) arriving in Sandymount, Dublin at 09:25hrs.The train returns from Sandymount Station at 22:00hrs, serving the above stations.

Sunday 17th June

Cobh/Midleton to Dublin Connolly- The following special will operate on behalf of the Diocese of Cloyne.The train will depart Cobh at 08.30hrs, serving Rushbrooke (08:33hrs), Carrigaloe (08:36hrs), Midleton (08:45hrs), Carrigtwohill (08:52hrs), Cork (09:20hrs), Mallow (09:42hrs), Charleville (09:57hrs) and Limerick Junction (10:19hrs) arriving in Connolly station, Dublin at 12:11hrs.The train returns from Connolly Station at 19:10hrs, serving the above stations.

Limerick to Dublin Connolly - The following special will operate on behalf of the Limerick Diocese. The train will depart Limerick at 09.25hrs, arriving in Connolly station, Dublin at 11:45hrs.The train returns from Connolly Station at 18:55hrs, direct to Limerick.

Waterford to Dublin Connolly- The following special will operate on behalf of the Doceses of Ossary, Waterford and Lismore. The special train will depart Waterford at 09:35hrs, serving Thomastown (09:58hrs), Kilkenny (10:13hrs), Muine Bheag (10:31hrs), Carlow (10:49hrs), Athy (10:56hrs) and Kildare (11:14hrs) arriving in Connolly Station, Dublin at 11:55hrs. The train returns from Connolly Station, Dublin at 18:10hrs, serving the above stations.

Book Now for rail tickets on these special services. 

View Larger Map

This is the 3^rd year of the “Racing Home for Easter Festival” and promises 3 great days of racing, top class street entertainment, great value accommodation, Easter Egg hunts, 10km cycle, guided walks, bungi jumps, face painting and lots more. This event will be a three day food, arts and sporting festival highlighting all the Blackwater Valley region has to offer.

Book your rail tickets NOW

This year, local business’ have come together to offer 1 lucky person a fantastic prize which includes the following;

• Rail travel for 2
• Accommodation for 2 in The Hibernian Hotel for 1 night (Sat Night Only )
• Dinner for 2 in peppers restaurant Mallow
• 2x Premium level tickets & Racecards for Cork Racecourse Mallow for Saturday or Sunday

 
ENTER NOW to be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize.

A three day racing ticket can be pre-purchased from Cork Racecourse Mallow for the special price of €30 by calling +353 (0)22-50207.

An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said “as part of the community of Mallow, we hope that this event will build success and momentum over the coming years.  This is a great initiative to encourage domestic as well as inward tourism to the Mallow region.”

Easter Festival Events Progamme (6mb)

At 08.09hrs this morning, after the DART driver had entered the driver’s cab of the 08.00hrs Greystones to Malahide DART service, the detonators in the driver’s kit bag exploded. The driver was injured. There were no other injuries.

The train was taken out of service at Bray as there was damage to the cab, and to allow for investigation of the incident. The emergency services attended the scene, and the driver was treated in hospital for his injuries, which includes assessment of impact of the incident on his hearing, and stitches to his hand.

Detonators are used in railway operations as part of the safety regime, and are placed on railway lines by drivers and other staff, and detonated by the pressure of a train passing over them, emitting a loud bang which serves to alert drivers to specific issues.

Iarnród Éireann is offering a special fare of €1.50 for all tickets (including family tickets) on all services between Cork and Cobh all day.

A special marquee will be erected on the quayside adjacent to the station which will feature a farmers’ market, a display by Cobh and District Photography Club, childrens’ entertainers and performances from local artists including: Actor Nathan Slattery, Default Daves and the Carbary GAA Rangers as well as many more.

The event will run from 12:00hrs to 16:00hrs on Saturday 10th March. Drop in to the marquee and experience this fun day for all the family.

Local tourist attractions are also taking part, with Fota Wildlife Park offering a special admission price of €1 for children and €2 for adults all day on 10th March. The Titanic Experience Cobh is also offering a 20% discount to all visitors.

The Cork- Cobh line is a busy commuter service that sees 46 services a day operate.

Railway Lines is the new blog from irishrail.ie - covering a range of topics, and looking for your feedback.

Today's new post marks 40 years of InterRail with a chance to win a free InterRail pass.

Strategy up to 2030 presented at rail seminar

Airport link to national network recommended

A major report into the future strategy for the national rail network has recommended that improvements in speeds and capacity on Intercity lines be prioritised.

The AECOM/Goodbody Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review is being presented at Rail Vision 2030, a seminar on the future of rail transport in Ireland in Dublin today (Wednesday 22nd February).

The report, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, also envisages longer-term electrification of key sections of the network on sustainability grounds, and calls for connections for Dublin Airport to be progressed – initially via a major M50 Park and Ride station, with a spur from the existing DART line to the Airport to follow. While focused on the national network, the report also endorsed key elements of the Dublin rail strategy, including DART Underground, and the extension of the DART network to Commuter lines in the Greater Dublin area.

Download the Executive summary of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

Download part 1 of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

Download part 2 of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

The key findings of the report include:

- The national Intercity and commuter network has a key role to play in promoting economic development

- The need to ensure that the maintenance and renewal of the infrastructure on an ongoing basis is safeguarded, to avoid the asset being ‘run down’ over time

- Investment in track to give journey time improvements of up to 30 minutes on key Intercity routes, including Dublin to Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Mayo and Waterford, resulting in journey times of 2 hours from Dublin/Cork; 1 hour 45 minutes Dublin/Galway, and under 2 hours for other major cities

- Increases in service frequency on selected routes, with additional capacity through double-tracking the line from Portarlington to Athlone

- Development of a Dublin (M50) Parkway Station on the route into Heuston, allowing customers to the west and south of the city to connect to Intercity rail services, and providing an Airport to Dublin Parkway bus shuttle

- Subsequent development of Airport rail link from Clongriffin to Dublin Airport, to link the national rail network to the country’s gateway airport, in line with European Union strategic goals

- Longer-term, electrification of key routes including Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Galway, enabling Galway and Cork to Dublin Airport rail services via Dublin city and DART Underground

- A number of potential new regional rail lines are evaluated, with only Athenry to Tuam currently envisaged a candidate for further consideration

- Rail freight to continue to operate on a commercial basis, with an Exchequer grant aid facility to enterprises and Iarnród Éireann to support new freight projects with a clear economic return, supported by cost-benefit analysis

- Restructuring and simplification of Intercity fare structures (this process has been commenced in this month’s Intercity fare review, approved by the National Transport Authority

Reviewing the report, Dick Fearn stated “It is clear from the outcome of the report that rail must remain a core element of our national transport strategy, and can continue to develop its role. The report highlights the importance of ensuring that, even in the current environment, normal maintenance and renewal of infrastructure must take place, and to that end we welcome the confirmation that this is being maintained within the reduced Exchequer capital programme.

The AECOM/Goodbody report charts a course to ensure that rail can play a strong and economically sustainable role in meeting the transport needs of our communities into the future. It sets priorities and challenges for all stakeholders involved in or with an interest in delivering transport solutions in Ireland, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to chart a vision for our future network.”

For a live feed of, and to comment on, the Rail Vision 2030 seminar on the future of rail transport in Ireland (Weds 22nd February 08.30-11.30), please go to our new blog, Railway Lines.

ESB ecars is partnering with Iarnród Éireann to deliver an electric car charging service at  station car parks nationwide. Public transport hubs are an ideal location for charge points as electric car drivers can charge their car while they are parked there. The 30 charge points have been installed in the following station locations:

Drogheda, Newbridge, Sligo, Thurles and Kildare.  

ESB ecars is also rolling out public charge points in city centre car parks, shopping centres, Luas car parks, leisure facilities and tourist attractions. To date more than 550 charge points have been installed in public locations, service stations, commercial premises and in homes across Ireland. ESB ecars is also providing FREE home charge points to the first 2,000 purchasers of electric cars.

St. Michael’s House are asking volunteers to contribute second hand books from home and purchase donated books from their peers at a cost of €2.00 per book. This can be set up in a staff common area/classroom over a morning/evening for just one day or for the entire week. This campaign is in association with World Book Day on 1^st March.

Iarnród Éireann is delighted to support St. Michael’s House in the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. Bookstores will be in place in Connolly and Heuston Stations, giving our customers a great opportunity to share and find great reading material for their daily commute, while contributing to services for people with intellectual disability. So if you’re passing through either station, why not take a browse, buy a book and help support St. Michael’s House services.

These essential funds will support Early Services, children with  intellectual disabilities. Early Services is the first point of contact for families and provides support for children and their families up to school-going age. Funds raised in 2012 will support the following areas: Clinical, Educational and Parent Training Supports.

For more details and to register log onto www.bringabookbuyabook.ie 

Further Upcoming Events

Carols for Commuters 2012

Our Carols for Commuters Campaign is set to continue this Christmas 2012 and we’re already looking for volunteers to help raise essential funds.  If you are a member of a Choir, Band or even a soloist and would like to donate some time to perform in Heuston or Connolly Stations this Christmas, please contact:

Fundraising Office

St. Michael's House

Ballymun Rd

Ballymun

Dublin 9

T:01 8840200.

W:www.smh.ie  

E:fundraising@smh.ie  

To learn more about St.Michael’s House, log onto www.smh.ie or why not 'Like' their Facebook page. 

While these issues are now rectified, customers who were unable to pay for their parking as a result earlier today will not be liable to be clamped.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Take the train to the Ireland V Wales six Nations Rugby International in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 5th February.  Kick off at 15.00hrs.  Direct train services from Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Wexford  and Waterford to Dublin.

A special train will depart Rossslare Europort at 09.05hrs, arriving Dublin Connolly at 12.04hrs.

A special train will depart Cork at 09.30hrs, arriving Dublin Heuston at 12.10hrs.  An extra train is also scheduled to return from Dublin Heuston to Cork at 20.00hrs arriving Cork Kent Station at 22.45hrs.

A special train will depart Galway at 10.05hrs. serving Athenry at 10.19hrs, Ballinasloe at 10.48hrs, Athlone at 11.06hrs, Tullamore at 11.31hrs arriving Dublin  Heuston at 12.45hrs.
Return trains to Galway depart Dublin Heuston at 18.45hrs and 20.30hrs.

Book online at www.irishrail.ie.

Tickets also available from local train stations.

Additional DART services will also operate before and after the match.

Grand Canal Dock station will be closed from 16.00hrs to 18.00hrs on this day, Sunday 5th February.  Trains will not call at Grand Canal Dock during this time.

Bicycles will not be carried on DART or Commuter Services from 11.30 to 17.30hrs.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Take the train to the Heineken Cup match between Munster and Castres in Thomond Park Limerick on Saturday 14^th January.

Supporters travelling from Cork have a choice of services at 09.30, 10.30, 11.30 or 12.30hrs returning from Limerick at 18.55hrs or 20.10hrs.

Supporters travelling from Dublin can travel on trains at 09.00, 10.00, 11.00 or 12.00hrs returning from Limerick at 18.55hrs or 20.55hrs.

Early booking advised on www.irishrail.ie   

DO YOU LOVE YOUR STATION? IF SO GET VOTING FOR THIS YEAR’S BEST STATION AWARDS (Voting Now Closed)

The quest has begun for this year’s Iarnród Éireann Best Station and competition will be as tough as ever this year as customers will directly rate stations in the race to take the coveted title!

The format for the Best Station Awards will see awards decided by text and online voting by customers for 142 stations around the network. Customers will be asked to rate their station between 1 – 5, 5 being the highest grade, under the following criteria:

• Staff helpfulness
• Customer information
• Station presentation
• Staff appearance

Vote now for your station Voting Has No Closed, Thank You

Alternatively, customers can text: Vote followed by the station they wish to rate to 53700 (all texts charged 30 cent).

A text will be sent by reply with the four criteria above to be graded from 1 – 5, 5 being the highest.

All entrants will be entered into a draw to win one of 5 luxury weekend weekends courtesy of Select Hotels of Ireland, with Iarnród Éireann also providing the train travel to and from the 5 great destinations.

DART Commuters will be receive a questionaire at stations and all those that complete and return it will be in with a chance to win free DART travel for a year.

 The Best Station Awards will be presented later this year and awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Best Intercity Station Leinster
• Best Intercity Station Munster
• Best Intercity Station Connaught
• Best DART/Commuter Station
• Community Award
• Overall Best Station

Iarnród Éireann is encouraging customers to send in their ratings: both for excellence in service and standards, and in areas where customers wish to see improvements.

Voting Has Now Closed, Thank You 

The process will be as follows:

1. Following the closing date for public ratings, a shortlist of stations in each geographic region will be drawn up, based exclusively on the public ratings.

2. An independent market research company will undertake “mystery shopper” exercises at all shortlisted stations to assess stations on a detailed basis.

3. Nominations for each geographic award category will be announced, based on a combination of public ratings and the mystery shopper exercise.

4. The winners, including overall national winner, will be announced at the awards ceremony.

These increases follow from the reduction in funds available to subsidise public transport announced in the Budget.

The new Leap Card (a smartcard card which will operate across all public transport providers) will give commuters and travellers an option to pay lower fares. The Leap card is now available.

The Authority has approved increases for Iarnród Éireann averaging 6% on DART and 6.7% on Commuter services. A significant discount on cash fares will continue to be available for customers using the new Leap Card. This discount ranges between 16% and 19% for single fares.

The following fare types will increase from 4th January 2012:

Dublin DART Commuter Fares

• Adult and Child Single, Day Return, 3 Day and 7 Day tickets together with all Weekly and Monthly fares.

• Schoolchild Single and Return tickets.

• Some Adult, Child, Schoolchild and Scholar epurse fares on Smartcards will be increased. Epurse fares apply to both the IE Smartcard and the Leap Card, but will be in all cases lower than cash fares.

• Rail/Luas and Rail/Bus/Luas fares will also be adjusted from this date.

Cork/Cobh Commuter Fares

• Adult and Child Single & Day Returns and Adult, Student and Child Weekly and Monthly fares.

Commuter Season Tickets

• Adult, Student and Child Weekly and Monthly fares will increase in all zones.

• Annual Tickets and Monthly Season Tickets issued under the Taxsaver scheme will be increased from Thursday 1st March 2012. Rail/Bus Tickets

• Fares increases to combined Bus and Rail tickets in the Dublin and Cork Commuter areas and Medium, Long and Giant Hop tickets will take place in February 2012.

Example of some fare increases from 4th January 2012

Intercity fares will be subject to a separate decision by the National Transport Authority, and any increase in these will be advised in due course.

For further information on the fare increases approval, please consult the NTA Website.

As part of this station improvement programme we would like to invite you to answer a quick survey in relation to Dublin Heuston, Dublin Connolly, Waterford, Limerick, Cork, Galway, Sligo, Tralee and Rosslare.

We will analyse the results to benchmark against previous surveys carried out to see how we are doing.

Many Thanks

Iarnród Éireann

Iarnród Éireann has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant a Railway Order – the equivalent of planning permission – for the construction of DART Underground. (Full An Bord Pleanála decision)

DART Underground will be the single most important piece of infrastructure in the state to ensure a modal shift from private to public transport, and free future generations from urban gridlock in the Greater Dublin area. It also links all rail modes - DART, Commuter, Intercity, Luas and proposed Metro - to form an integrated cohesive transport network.

The DART Underground rail line, which will run from Docklands to Inchicore, would increase the capacity of the Greater Dublin area's rail service to 100 million passenger journeys per annum, from a passenger total of 30 million passenger journeys annually today.

The project also has the strongest economic benefit of any transport scheme included in the Transport 21 programme.

Although construction of the project has been deferred due to the reduced availability of capital funding, the Government has stated that it will be reviewed in 2015 for the next capital investment programme. This ensures that Iarnród Éireann will be in a position to develop the line should funding be provided. The completion of the Railway Order process and granting of the Order will ensure that the project can be speedily resumed.

DART Underground is not a stand-alone project but is the vital link in a wider package of measures, including:

• electrification of the lines to extend the DART to Balbriggan, Maynooth and Hazelhatch

• signaling and track capacity enhancements to allow more trains to run more frequently

• significant expansion of the fleet and train depot facilities. All of these works will pave the way for the completed DART Underground to fill in the crucial final link that will release the full potential of this expanded and improved rail network into and out of Dublin.

Go to the DART Underground section for more information.

The awards recognise those members of staff who provide the highest level of service to our customers.

Our winners were:

Station staff Customer Service award:
Seán Tobin, Tullamore

On-board staff Customer Service award:
Happymore Karigomba, Heuston

Customer Relations staff Customer Service award:
Colm Gargan, Connolly

OVERALL Customer Service Staff Member of the Year:
Stephen McCabe, Pearse

Leap Card

Leap Card, the new integrated ticket for public transport in the Greater Dublin area, has arrived! Leap Card is the hassle free way to pay for public transport around Dublin.

A Leap Card is a reusable plastic smart card that can be used instead of paper tickets to pay-as-you-go for transport in Dublin. Time based tickets (e.g. a weekly or monthly ticket) will be made available on Leap Cards in the near future.

Advantages of Leap Card

• It saves you money

You pay less with a Leap card than when you pay for single fares with cash, so you'll save yourself money.

• It's flexible

You can jump on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail services around Dublin when it suits you, without having to plan your journey or buy a specific ticket in advance.

• It's convenient

No more rooting around your pockets for the right change. Just pay the appropriate fare with the Travel Credit on your Leap Card!

• It's quicker

No more queuing at ticket machines for single tickets on Luas, DART and commuter rail. With the Leap Card you just Top-Up with Travel Credit and go whenever you like.

• It's safe

You can register your Leap Card online, so if it's lost or stolen, no one else can use it. Once you register, you can also see your card history and buy Travel Credit online.

Where can I buy a Leap Card?

Go to Leapcard.ie!

How do I use a Leap Card?

Leap Card use contactless technology. Customers hold their cards against the validators to ‘Touch-On’. Validators are located:

• Buses - at the entrance to the bus on the right hand side, and at the driver’s cab.
• Luas - on the platform.
• DART and Commuter Rail - at entry and exit points of stations, and on some platforms.

Don't forget to Touch-On before starting your journey to make sure your card is valid for travel. If you don’t Touch-On, you may be prosecuted for fare evasion.

When travelling on a bus, there is no requirement to Touch-Off. However, don't forget to Touch-Off at the end of your journey when travelling on DART and Commuter Rail or Luas so that the correct fare will be charged.

Failure to Touch-Off will result in the maximum fare being charged to your card.

I have an existing Rail Only epurse Smart Card, how do I get a Leap Card?

Customers with a current Rail Only epurse Smart Card, run down the balance on the card and apply on-line @ www.leapcard.ie

Input current rail epurse Smart Card number and complete contact details and you will be sent a Leap Card.

For full information, go to www.leapcard.ie

While machine charges for daily and weekly parking will increase, customers can ensure that the price of parking is unchanged by switching to ParkByText where there will be no increase.

Monthly charges will effectively be reduced for all customers, with the validity of the €30 monthly rate for machine or ParkByText customers extended from 28 days to 31 days for no extra charge.

Full details of new rates from 12th December 2011 are:

*Full list of stations below

The revised charges mean that, as well as being a more convenient way of paying for parking, ParkByText is now the cheapest way also, with no increase on current rates.

The monthly charge now sees customers’ parking rates reduced to less than €1 per day for all payment methods.

Customers can also open a ParkByText account, with added benefits including:

- Shorter and simpler payment process (An account holder is only required to send a short text message to complete payment whereas an unregistered user needs to send a similar text message followed by providing their credit card details to a voicemail phone number)

- Account holders have the option to receive text messages and/or emails with updates on special parking offers and system enhancements

- Account holders can select a free option of automatic top up to their account balance ensuring that they always have funds set aside for their parking charges

A 50 cent monthly account maintenance charge applies to customers choosing this option.

Further details are available at www.parkbytext.ie

How to use Parkbytext:

Parkbytext is a Cashless Payment System for use with mobile and smart phones. This has recently been introduced at all stations with paid car parks.

It gives customers an option to pay for their parking without having to carry cash, attend at a machine or display a ticket on their car windscreen.

Once payment has been made using parkbytext, the central system is updated to take account of this and the car park management company will then know who has paid for their parking.

Parkbytext offers two options.  One is as an account holder and the other is a pay as you go option. An account holder would have been pre-registered at www.parkbytext.ie.

To parkbytext as an account holder simply text: 

• PARK(location code)(duration) to 51155.
• All Location codes are displayed on car park signage nationwide.
• Duration can be day (D), week (W) or month (M).

For example, to park at Dalkey Station text:

• PARK 0858 D to 51155 to park for one day at location 0858 (i.e. Dalkey train station)

OR

• PARK 0858 W to 51155, to park for one week at location 0858 (i.e. Dalkey train station).

Account holders may also pay for parking by calling 0818 444 999. Visit www.parkbytext.ie to open an account.

To initiate parking session if not an account holder text:

• PARK(location code)(car registration) to 51155.

For example to park at Dalkey Station text:

• PARK 0858 07D72973 to 51155. 
• You will then receive an information text with further instructions to your mobile phone.

For full FAQs, benefits of opening and account, and Terms and Conditions visit www.parkbytext.ie or contact info@parkbytext.ie.

*List of stations for daily, weekly and monthly charges detailed:

 In an aim to raise essential funds for the charity, Christmas Choirs and collection points will be in Heuston and Connolly stations during December.

 Barbara Wiseman, Chief Fundraiser for St. Michael’s House commented: “We are delighted that Iarnród Éireann has chosen us as their charity for 2011/2012. It is great to have the support of a large national organisation like Iarnród Éireann. At St. Michael’s House, we provide community based services provided for people with intellectual disability. We hope with the support of Iarnród Éireann for 2011/2012, we can maintain and build on these services.”

St Michael's House is a community-based voluntary organisation. Founded by parents in 1955, the organisation has grown to become one of the largest providers of services to people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. Today St Michael’s House provides a range of specialised services to over 1,450 children and adults with a learning disability and their families through 160 community based centres in the greater Dublin area.

For further information: Log on to the St. Michael’s House website , or why not 'like' their Facebook page.

The awards, involving eight major railway companies from across the UK and Ireland, are aimed at raising standards in stations in all participating companies, through sharing best practice in customer focus and station facilities.  The awards were presented in the Cobh Heritage Centre, Co Cork yesterday evening.

The eight participating companies were:

-      Mersey Rail                                  - First Great Western

-      First Transpennine Express           - Arriva Trains Wales

-      Metro Tyne Wear                          - Iarnród Éireann

-      Translink NI Railways                   - London Overground

In addition to Overall Best Station, Heuston also picked up the Best Major Station Award.  Connolly Station in Dublin also collected the Best Large Station prize, ahead of Belfast’s Central Station.

The full roll of honour was:

Best Metro Station

Highly Commended: Hampstead Heath, London Overground

Winner: Liverpool South Parkway, MerseyRail

Best Small Station

Highly Commended: Hoylake, MerseyRail

Winner: Barnstaple, First Great Western

Best Medium Station

Highly Commended: Stalybridge, Transpennine Express

Winner: Bridgend, Arriva Train Wales

Best Large Station

Highly Commended: Belfast Central, Translink  NI Railways.

Winner: Connolly Station, Iarnród Éireann.

Best Major Station

Winner: Heuston Station, Iarnród Éireann

Best Innovation Award

Liverpool South Parkway, MerseyRail

Best Customer Service – Going the Extra Mile

Bridgend, Arriva Trains Wales

Overall Best Station Award 2011

Winner: Heuston Station, Iarnród Éireann

This first phase sees changes including:
- a new design to make the website easier to use and navigate, and easier for you to find information
- a new system making it easier for us to update changing information quickly
- a new journey planner with multiple benefits such as:
   o visible pricing per service with your timetable search
   o better journey information
   o timetable customisation – build your own timetables to print or download (coming Dec/Jan)
   o latest accessibility standards for the visually impaired (currently being tested for accessibility issues)
   o improved real-time service information
   o mobile device friendly (coming early 2012)
- improved station information with links to Google Streetview and live train information
- improved special offers and rail rewards features

With any website change, it’s only through heavy usage that it can be fully tested, so if you encounter any difficulties with the new design (and we sincerely hope you don’t!) or have any feedback, please let us know by e-mailing us at newirishrail@irishrail.ie

We’re also working on further changes to the website which will be delivered later. The main change is to carry out a back-end redesign of our web booking system

Our current web booking system, while it has grown in use significantly, does have problems which must be addressed, which regular customers will be familiar with. Our redesign will:
- Ensure it can cope better at times of high demand
- Allow you to manage your booking online, including cancellations and amendments
- Have better customer service tools to give you information or process refunds automatically

These changes will be delivered to you in 2012/2013.

You will also see other smaller changes along the way.  We hope that you find all of these improvements of benefit, and be sure to let us know what you think!

State Coaches No. 351 and No. 5408 are elegant coaches which transported Heads of State and foreign dignitaries over the past century, No.351 from 1906 up to the early 1970s, and No. 5408 from the 1970s to the 2000s.

Those who have travelled on the coaches include: King Edward VII, President Mary McAleese, President Eamon DeValera, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, President Dwight D Eisenhower of USA and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

As No 5408 is now joining No 351 in “retirement”, and is being presented to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI), President McAleese will be the last Irish President to have travelled in a State Coach.

Iarnród Éireann and the RPSI have created a special exhibition of photographs and mementos of the State Coaches and members of the RPSI will be on hand to provide guided tours of the Coaches throughout the October Bank Holiday weekend.

See the fine features and magnificent craftsmanship onboard, including Connemara marble and Waterford Crystal, and discover a rich slice of Irish railway heritage.

Admission to the exhibition will cost €2 for adults and children are free. A commemorative brochure will also be available. All proceeds will go to the RPSI.

The Exhibition will open to the public on:

Friday 28th October, 16.00hrs-19.00hrs

Saturday 29th Sunday 30th and Monday 31st October, 10.00hrs-17.00hrs

Free wi-fi is now installed all 67 carriages on the CAF Intercity fleet on the Dublin-Cork route, with further expansion to Intercity railcars, DART and Commuter to follow.

Dublin-Cork

This will mean that free Wi-Fi is available for Dublin-Cork customers on the following trains:

Mondays to Thursdays: All trains in both directions except 08.00 and 09.00 Heuston to Cork, and 11.30 and 12.30 Cork to Heuston (which are operated by Intercity railcars, see below for Wi-Fi plans)

Fridays to Sundays: All trains in both directions

The contract to equip the Dublin-Cork fleet and provide customer with broadband wi-fi was awarded to Irish company FleetConnect, based in Dublin.

Connection to the system is easy, with on-screen assistance for customers on board. Simply turn on your laptop, connect to 'IRISHRAIL- WIFI' and open your internet brower.

If you encounter any problems, just call the WiFi Support team on 01-8809600 (Monday-Friday 06.00 - 23.00) or email support@fleetconnect.ie .

Other routes

In addition, we’re planning further expansion of Wi-Fi to other services.

By the end of 2012, we aim to have Wi-Fi available on the following fleets:

- Intercity railcars (operates Dublin to Sligo, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Waterford & Rosslare; plus Cork-Tralee

- DART & Commuter

- Dublin/Belfast Enterprise

The introduction of Wi-Fi on Intercity railcars, DART and Commuter is being supported by the National Transport Authority. Iarnród Éireann and Translink are working jointly to introduce Wi-Fi on Dublin/Belfast Enterprise services.

With the proliferation of internet-ready Smartphones and tablet PCs, today’s rail passengers will be able to stay connected with friends, family and work colleagues, and they can be productive, informed and entertained during their journey.

But, come October, it’s a problem that this and every other railway has to face, and as the railway’s least favourite ‘season’ is underway, we thought it would be helpful for customers to explain how exactly ‘a few leaves’ can cause hundreds of tonnes of train to be delayed.

When leaves fall on to the line, particularly in damp or wet weather, the rolling action of passing wheels compresses them, causing a greasy ‘mulch’ to cover the rail.

This mulch is to rails what ice is to roads. It reduces the adhesion, or ‘co-efficient of friction’ to use the technical term, between wheel and rail. Acceleration must be reduced to prevent slipping, and braking distances extended. If you’re a regular customer, you can probably sense the wheel “slipping” on a train if you’re travelling through an area that’s affected. This is why minor delays are more prevalent at this time of year, particularly in the early morning and early evening.

The leaf mulch can also affect the operation of track circuits. Iarnród Éireann has machinery to address this problem, which operates overnight on key sections of the network, spreading “Sandite” on the line. However, this can only reduce the impact of leaf mulch rather than eliminate it. The mulch is Teflon-like, and even hand-scrubbing could not remove it. We’re not alone in this, as this article shows: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_rail

The number of weeks this can continue for varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. However, we will continue to work throughout the period affected to minimise delays on services, and apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann advises passengers that the following special service arrangements will be in place for the Ireland V Armenia Soccer International on Tuesday 11th October, at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

Intercity Services

22.05hrs Heuston to Cork - Please note: Passengers for Limerick can connect with a 23.48hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick special service.

22.30hrs Heuston to Galway. This train will also serve Portarlington, Tullamore, Athlone, Ballinasloe and Athenry Station.

Commuter Services

21.10hrs Dublin Pearse to Maynooth is deferred to 21.15hrs

21.42hrs Clonsilla to M3 Parkway is deferred to 21.47hrs

Extra capacity will be provided due to expected heaving loadings before and after the match, however some delays may occur from 17.00hrs.

Please note: Grand Canal Dock station will be closed from 20.00hrs to 21.45hrs.  The carriage of bicycles will not be permitted from 15.00hrs.

Customers are advised to travel early and buy return tickets to avoid queues.  Tickets can be purchased in advance from any Iarnród Éireann booking office.

Schedule Revisions to Connolly, Intercity and Commuter services and DART services will come into operation from Sunday 25^th September 2011. These schedule revisions can be viewed at here  or through our journey planner. The revisions have been made following a period of consultation with customers. The draft revisions were posted on our website and customers were invited to email in their comments and suggestions, many of which were taken onboard.

Customers are advised to check www.irishrail.ie or contact your local station before travelling on or before 25^th September 2011 as departure and arrival times may have changed.

These schedule revisions have been sanctioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The company undertook the consultation over the past fortnight via customer comment cards at the station and the company’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.  The decision to review the name followed feedback from customers about the existing name.  While it was named Phoenix Park as it was built to facilitate the development on the old Phoenix Park racecourse site, feedback had been received that the name caused confusion for those visiting the public amenity that is Phoenix Park, which  is some distance away.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said “we received a wide range of responses from customers to the proposal.  There was an almost universal view that the Phoenix Park name was unsuitable, and most suggestions for a new name were a variation on Navan Road.  Navan Road Parkway reflects the fact that there is a 100-space car park at the station, which will allow commuters from a wider catchment area to drive to the station and escape road congestion at that point.”

The company will implement the name change over the coming weeks, in station signage, route maps, automated announcements and timetables.

The station opened in January 2008 on the Maynooth-Dublin commuter line, between Castleknock and Ashtown Stations.  It is served by 40 trains in each direction to and from the city.

06.45 Killarney to Mallow. Customers can then transfer to 07.40 service from Mallow to Heuston.

07.15 Tralee to Mallow is extended to Dublin Heuston

07.00 Tralee to Dublin Heuston.

18.50 Dublin Heuston to Tralee.

Please note the 18.00 Dublin Heuston to Cork is deferred to 18.15.

Further Intercity service details to follow.


Commuter Services

11.55 Drogheda to Dublin Connolly

19.20 Dublin Connolly to Drogheda

11.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

12.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

12.50 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

14.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

17.18 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

17.30 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

11.05, 12.05, 13.05, 14.05 and 15.05 will additionally call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly Station.

17.10 and 18.10 Connolly to M3 Parkway will additionally call at Drumcondra, Broombridge, Ashtown, Phoenix Park, Castleknock, Coolmine and M3 Parkway.

Due to expected heavy loadings before and after the match, DART, Belfast Enterprise, Sligo and Rosslare Intercity, Maynooth and Northern Commuter services may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes from 11.00 to 19.00 hrs.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Due to Track Works between Limerick Junction and Charleville on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 20-30 minute delay may occur.

Saturday 10th September

19.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Thurles only with Bus Transfers from Thurles to Charleville, Mallow and Cork.  Limerick and Limerick Junction customers should transfer at Thurles onto a second train from Thurles (Dep. 20.40) to Limerick (via Limerick Junction).

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Thurles only with Bus Transfers from Thurles to Mallow and Cork.  Limerick and Limerick Junction customers should transfer at Thurles onto a second train from Thurles (Dep. 22.40) to Limerick (via Limerick Junction).

20.30 Cork to Heuston will be Bus Transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and by train from Thurles to Heuston. Buses will depart Cork at 20.30.  Train will depart Thurles at 22.10.

20.10 Limerick to Limerick Junction is advanced to 19.20 and extended to Thurles serving Limerick Junction.

20.57 Limerick Junction to Limerick will operate from Thurles serving Limerick Junction.  Train will depart Thurles at 20.40.

20.55 Limerick to Limerick Junction is deferred to 21.00 and extended to Thurles (via Limerick Junction).

22.53 Limerick Junction to Limerick will operate from Thurles serving Limerick Junction.  Train will depart Thurles at 22.40.

Sunday 11th September

08.30 Cork to Dublin will be bus Transfers from Cork, Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and by train from Thurles to Heuston.  Buses will depart Cork at 08.30. Train will depart Limerick Junction at 09.40 and Thurles at 10.10.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Due to Track Works between Drogheda and Dundalk on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 20-30 minute delay may occur.

Saturday 10th September

20.05 Belfast to Dublin Connolly will operate to Dundalk only.  Bus transfers will operate from Dundalk to Drogheda.  A second train will operate from Drogheda to Dublin Connolly.

20.50 Dublin Connolly to Belfast will operate to Drogheda only.  Bus transfers will operate from Drogheda to Dundalk.  A second train will operate from Dundalk to Belfast.

23.20 Dublin Connolly to Dundalk will operate to Drogheda only.  Bus transfers will operate from Drogheda to Dundalk.

22.05 Drogheda to Dublin Connolly is deferred to 22.12.

Sunday 11th September

09.20 Dundalk to Pearse Station will be bus transfers from Dundalk to Drogheda and by train from Drogheda to Pearse.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.



Due to track works between Lisburn and Belfast on Sunday 11th September the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 15-20 minute delay may occur.

Sunday 11th September

Connolly to Belfast Central

10.00, 13.00, 16.00, 18.00 and 19.00 Connolly to Belfast Central will be a train from Connolly to Lisburn only.  Customers for Belfast should change at Newry for bus transfers to Belfast.

Belfast Central to Connolly

10.00, 13.00,15.00,16.00 and 19.00 Belfast Central to Connolly will be bus transfers from Belfast to Newry connecting with the Lisburn-Newry-Dublin Trains.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Meet the Managers at Galway and Heuston Stations


<sup>Meet the Managers, Galway Station.
The next of these meetings will take place at Galway Station on Tuesday 13th September 2011. Members of the management team will be available to meet customers on the afternoon of Tuesday 13th September between 07.00am and 09.00am at Galway Station Concourse.

Meet the Managers, Heuston Station.
The next meeting will take place at Heuston Station on Wednesday 14th September from 16.30 to 18.00.  Members of the management team will be available to meet customers at Heuston Station Concourse.</sup>Over the coming months the Iarnród Éireann management team will be continuing its programme of face to face meetings with customers.

Customers are invited to come along and discuss issues of interest or concern to them.

Each week, we'll update you with the latest information on events, festivals, sporting fixtures and more

Be it Intercity, DART or Commuter, make sure to take the train, and check our homepage for our range of discount offers for rail travel.

What's on this week - Updated 17th October.

Why not take the train to Belfast for the Festival, to Wexford for a night at Opera, to Galway for the Races or Waterford for Arts or take the family on DART southside for the Puppet Festival.

The Ulster Bank Festival at Queen's, Belfast, 14th to 30th October
The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival is the largest Arts festival in Ireland, hosting a range of events covering eight different genres, drama, dance, family, classical music, world music, talks, visual arts and films.  Events are programmed to take place across the city in almost forty different venues and will showcase talents such as Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Elvis Costello, James Vincent McMorrow and much more.

Enterprise services operate to and from Connolly Station to Belfast. Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

International Puppet Festival, Wicklow & Dublin 21st to 30th October
The International Puppet Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a wide and exciting range of performances from across the world, joined by some of the best Irish puppeteers to provide some evocative and memorable entertainment for Irish audiences. Shows take place in venues in Monkstown, Dun Laoghaire, Bray and in Dublin City Centre.

Check our timetable to view DART and Commuter service arrangements.

The Wexford Opera Festival, 21st October to 5th November.
The Wexford Opera Festival has been running since 1951, playing a central role in the cultural life of Ireland, in the world of Opera and Arts internationally. From small and humble beginnings it has achieved world-wide success and critical acclaim by demonstrating passion, innovation and a willingness to lead audiences and artists into neglected territories to explore the rich vein of operatic work worldwide.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

Waterford Imagine Arts Festival 21st to 30th October
The Imagine Arts festival includes theatre, music, literature, comedy, visual arts, dance and film. Imagine also has children's events and aims to be both innovative and fun.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements to and from Waterford

Galway Races - Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October.
The October Race Meeing at Galway Races has alway proven to be a favourite by all and it is a fantastic weekend of great racing and great craic!  Children under 14 have free admission during the weekend.

Rail services operate to and from Galway and race goers can also avail of a Racegoers will be able to avail of a shuttle bus service from Galway City Centre to Galway Racecourse.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements to and from Galway.

Coming Up:

Guinness Jazz Festival, Cork, 28th to 31st October
Guinness Jazz Festival is Ireland's biggest jazz event and attracts musicians and music fans alike to the city each year. The event, which has been held annually since 1978 and promises to be one of the biggest ever.

Hourly rail operate to and from Dublin to Cork.  Please note: some service alterations will be in place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

ToyShow Experience, Convention Centre, Dublin, 4th to 6th November
The ToyShow Experience is a brand new event for children of all ages, (and of course their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, minders or anyone wishing to bring out their inner child!)

The Convention Centre is situated in the heart of Dublin's Docklands and is a 10 minute walk or Red Line Luas from DART and Commuter services in Connolly.  Intercity travellers can also connect with the Luas on arrival at Heuston.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

Keep watching for the latest events, and always check www.irishrail.ie for our latest offers and promotions.

If you have an event you would like highlighted here, email us at twitter@irishrail.ie

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**Galway
After the concert on the 18th June only a train will depart Dublin Heuston at 00:50hrs the morning of the 19th for Galway serving serving Portarlington, Tullamaore, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Athenry and Galway.

Customers are advised to book early as there is limited availability on the return services.


Please note when booking to put in the next day date for your return date.  For example if you are going to the 

• Take That concert on the 18th June select the 19th June for your return date.  
• Take That concert on the 19th June select the 20th June for your return date.

Book Now

Prices shown exclude transaction and credit card fees. 

Commuter services - Saturday 18th June

The following special commuter trains will operate:

22.50 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

23.00 Dublin Connolly to M3 Parkway.

The following services will call at additional stops as follows:

16.05, 17.05, 18.05, 19.05 and 20.05 M3 Parkway to Connolly will call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly.

Commuter services - Sunday 19th June

The following special commuter trains will operate:

16.50 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

18.25 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

22.50 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

23.00 Dublin Connolly to M3 Parkway

The following services will call at additional stops as follows:

16.05, 17.05, 18.05 and 19.05  M3 Parkway to Connolly will call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly.

Due to expected heavy loadings before and after both concerts, DART, Belfast Enterprise, Sligo and Rosslare Intercity, Maynooth and Northern Commuter services may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes from 17.00 hrs. to 24.00 hrs.

There's a fantastic range of events taking place, so why not take the train to enjoy these great family days out!

Special offers include:

• Day returns from a range of stations around Leinster are available from €15 at weekends. 

• Hop on a DART or Commuter train to visit the Dublin event: regular return tickets, or a family unlimited day travel for just €14.70

For more information, visit the Street Performance World Championships website or follow them on twitter!

Details of the approval are available by clicking here.

Be it Intercity, DART or Commuter, make sure to take the train, and check www.irishrail.ie for our range of discount offers for rail travel.

Keep watching for the latest events, and always check www.irishrail.ie for our latest offers and promotions

Friday 28th October, 2011 Dublin to Cork Services

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

Saturday 29th October, 2011  

Dublin to Cork/ Tralee Services

07.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

08.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

09.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

10.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

11.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

12.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

14.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

15.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

16.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.05 Heuston to Tralee is CANCELLED.

18.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

19.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

21.00 Heuston to Cork will be substituted by bus transfers.

Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

05.05 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

06.15 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

07.20 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

07.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

09.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

10.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

11.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

12.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

13.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

15.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

16.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

18.30 Cork to Heuston will be substituted by bus transfers.

20.30 Cork to Heuston will be substituted by bus transfers.

Mallow - Tralee

11.30 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 12.00 hrs.

13.30 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 14.00 hrs.

15.35 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 16.05 hrs.

17.25 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 18.00 hrs.

Sunday 30th October, 2011  

Dublin to Cork/ Tralee Services

08.25 Heuston to Tralee will be bus transfers from Heuston to Mallow and by train (Dept. 11.25 hrs) from Mallow to Tralee.

10.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

12.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.45 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and second train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

15.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

16.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

18.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

19.00 Heuston to Cork is CANCELLED.

19.05 Heuston to Tralee will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.  Passengers for Tralee will be transferred by road from Thurles to Mallow and join a second train at Mallow (Dept. 21.50 hrs).

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

08.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

10.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

12.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

13.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

15.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

16.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.50 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow to Thurles and second train from Thurles to Dublin.

18.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

19.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

Mallow - Tralee

17.25 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 18.05 hrs.

17.15 Tralee to Cork is CANCELLED.

Monday 31st October, 2011 Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

05.05 Cork to Heuston is CANCELLED.

06.15 Cork to Heuston is CANCELLED.

07.20 Tralee to Heuston is deferred to 08.00 hrs and will operate to Mallow only and connect with 09.30 Cork to Heuston.

07.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

Customers who have already booked travel on services affected by the bridge renewal works should note the following:

Your ticket is valid for the relevant revised service.  We will give you a full refund on the affected journey if you wish to cancel.

To cancel your reservation please email info@irishrail.ie or call 1850 366 222 (01 836 6222) between 09.00-18.00 Monday to Friday. 

If you wish to travel on an alternative service please note your ticket will be valid on all alternative services for that day.

Please check our Journey planner for full schedule information.  Please note train services WILL OPERATE between Mallow and Cork during these times.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.