Iarnród Éireann Projects and Investments
Iarnród Éireann is building for a future which will see the role of our rail services maximised in meeting the transport needs of the communities we serve, and the wider economy and environment.
Supported by the National Transport Authority, and funded under Project Ireland 2040, we will invest in trains, infrastructure, stations and customer service as part of the National Development Plan 2018-2027. Investment will also support the national Climate Action Plan, and includes:
- Up to 790 new train carriages to cater for growing demand, with up to 600 electric or battery electric carriages included
- Investment in track, signalling and level crossings to increase frequency and improve journey times
- New stations, and upgraded existing stations, including improved accessibility and car park facilities
Further investment is planned to continue the development of the rail network.
For further details on individual Iarnród Éireann projects under the investment programme, please click on the relevant links below:

DART+ Programme
The DART+ Programme is a series of projects which would develop and expand the DART network in the Greater Dublin Area, building on one of Ireland’s great public transport success stories, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit).

Limerick to Foynes Freight Line
As part of the Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail Rail Freight Strategy 2040 and working with our colleagues in the Shannon Foynes Port Company, we are planning to deliver a reliable, frequent and sustainable logistics option for the many companies that currently or in the future will use the port of Foynes.
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Cork Area Commuter Rail
The heavy rail network is a central component of this strategic vision which will ensure an integrated local and regional transport network for the future of Cork city and its surrounds. CMATS will support compact urban growth in a more sustainable way, facilitating modal shift out of the private car and on to public transport. A more efficient, sustainable, low carbon and climate resilient heavy rail network will reduce road congestion and support Ireland’s transition to a low emissions transport system helping us achieve emission reduction targets.
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Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub
Rosslare Europort, supported by Port Authority Iarnród Éireann, has a vision to become the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) hub for Ireland’s South-East. The hub will service the emerging offshore wind industry and help support the government’s offshore wind target of seven gigawatts of power from ORE by 2030.

Investment in New Trains
New carriages will begin entering service during 2023 to meet the needs of a growing number of customers and allow more customers to switch to rail transport.

City Centre Resignalling
This project will meet the ever increasing demand for rail transport by increasing the capacity and frequency of trains through Dublin City Centre.

Cork Line Level Crossings Project
Iarnród Éireann is undertaking the Cork Line Level Crossings Project to identify the best approach to removing/upgrading seven level crossings located along the main Cork to Dublin line.
These level crossings are being removed/upgraded to provide a safer environment for those living near the rail line
and a more efficient service for all Iarnród Éireann customers.

National Train Control Centre
Planning for the replacement of the existing Iarnród Éireann National Train Control Centre is now necessary due to capacity restraints with the existing facility and the technological age of existing IT systems.

The Big Lift Improvement
At Iarnród Éireann we are investing in our stations with The Big Lift upgrade. Over the next year we’re making some big changes by replacing and upgrading our lifts.