The CONNECT Project: Transforming Ireland’s Rail Future
Ireland is on the cusp of a rail revolution. With launch of the CONNECT Project, Iarnród Éireann is taking bold steps to modernise the country’s rail infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and deliver faster, frequent, and sustainable services for passengers and freight across the island.
Backed by the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the National Development Plan 2021–2030, the CONNECT Project is a cornerstone of Ireland’s long-term transport strategy. It aligns with the All-island Strategic Rail Review (AiSRR), setting the stage for a greener, more connected Ireland.
What Is the CONNECT Project?
The CONNECT Project is designed to enhance passenger rail connectivity across Ireland. It focuses on:
- Decarbonising the rail network through electrification and clean fuel technologies
- Improving intercity travel by reducing journey times and increasing service frequency
- Developing a long-term implementation plan for infrastructure upgrades
- Engaging stakeholders and the public to ensure inclusive, transparent development
Why CONNECT matters
Ireland’s population is growing, and so is the demand for efficient, sustainable transport. The CONNECT Project is not just about trains - it’s about people, transforming how we move, work, and live. By investing in rail, Ireland can:
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions by shifting more journeys from road to rail
- Boost regional economies through better access and connectivity
- Support sustainable urban development with Transport-Oriented Development
- Enhance quality of life by reducing congestion and travel times
According to projections, with population growth and modal shift, demand for rail transport could grow fourfold to 200 million passenger journeys by 2050 avoiding harmful carbon emissions and reducing congestion in cities. The CONNECT Project will contribute to planning for such growth.
Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is working with global engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald and their associates, who are tasked with delivering a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan for the Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick corridors.
Project goals and strategic alignment
The CONNECT Project is deeply aligned with Ireland’s national and EU-level climate and transport goals. It supports:
- Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2024, which targets a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030
- Project Ireland 2040, the government’s long-term spatial and economic development strategy
- The EU Green Deal, which aims for climate neutrality by 2050
By focusing on decarbonisation, sustainability, and connectivity, CONNECT is a key enabler of these ambitions.
Focus areas: Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick Corridors
The initial focus of the CONNECT Project is on the preparation of enabling strategies in the areas of decarbonising, funding and programme planning while also focusing on the Dublin–Cork and Dublin-Limerick lines. These routes are part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), a corridor that connects cities and communities across the European Union, and are vital to Ireland’s economic and social connectivity.
Possible enhancements
- Journey time reduction: Targeting 90 minutes both the Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick lines
- Service frequency: Doubling daily services by 2050, to a half hourly pattern between Cork and Dublin with at least an hourly direct Limerick- Dublin service.
- Electrification: 25kV AC standard for higher-speed, low-emission travel, end to end along both lines
- Infrastructure upgrades: Track renewal, grade separation, and station modernisation
Key components
The CONNECT Project is structured around nine Work Packages (WPs), each addressing a critical aspect of the rail transformation.
WP1: Project Management
This work package ensures the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. It includes:
- Establishing a project governance structure
- Managing risk, quality, and stakeholder engagement
- Developing a Project Execution Plan (PEP) and Project Dossier.
WP2: Traffic Forecasting
Using advanced modelling tools like the Passenger Demand Forecasting Handbook (PDFH) and the National Transport Authority’s Regional Modelling System, this package forecasts passenger demand through 2050. It considers:
- Population and employment trends
- Modal shift potential
- Sensitivity to economic and policy changes.
WP3: Infrastructure Assessment
This technical assessment evaluates the current state of the rail network, focusing on:
- Track geometry and condition
- Electrification readiness
- Rolling stock compatibility
- Climate resilience and flood risk
WP4: Enabling Strategies
Three critical strategies are being developed:
- Decarbonisation Strategy: Electrification of high-demand lines and adoption of clean fuels
- Funding Strategy: Exploring public, private, and EU funding sources
- Interoperability Strategy: Aligning with European and Northern Ireland rail standards.
WP5: Preliminary Project Implementation Plan (PIP)
This plan outlines the technical measures, phasing, and resource requirements for upgrading the Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick lines. It includes:
- Track upgrades and electrification
- Aligning project with new and existing major rolling stock procurement activities
- Complementary enhancements like station upgrades and digital systems
WP6: Pre-Feasibility Studies
Focused on the TEN-T core network, this package assesses the viability of major interventions, including:
- Four-tracking between Hazelhatch and Portarlington
- Electrification and resignalling from Dublin to Cork
- Upgrades to Limerick Junction and the Limerick branch.
WP7: Final Project Implementation Plan (PIP)
Building on WP5 and WP6, this final plan refines the technical, financial, and operational details. It includes a budget review, aligning capital investments with expected revenue and funding streams.
WP8: Project Outline Document (POD)
The POD is a strategic document submitted to the Department of Transport. It includes:
- Investment rationale and strategic alignment
- Demand analysis and cost estimates
- Governance and appraisal plans.
WP9: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Public and stakeholder engagement is central to CONNECT’s success. This package includes:
- A comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan
- Public consultations on the draft PIP
- Social media campaigns and policy briefings
Funding and Investment
The CONNECT Project is co-funded by:
- The European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
- The Department of Transport through Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2021–2030
The preparation of a Funding Strategy for implementation of all proposed interventions will explore innovative financing models to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
Stakeholder Engagement and Public Consultation
Transparency and collaboration are at the heart of CONNECT. The project team is engaging with:
- Local communities
- Policy makers and authorities
- Industry stakeholders to ensure alignment with freight and commercial needs
The project will provide:
- A project website
- Updates through Iarnród Éireann’s social media platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn)
- Press releases, newsletters, and stakeholder briefings
Key milestones
Initial key milestones for the CONNECT Project include:
- Traffic forecast and infrastructure assessment
- Preliminary Implementation Plan
- Public and stakeholder engagement
- Final Implementation Plan and Project Outline Document
These outputs will inform future phases of infrastructure delivery and investment.
Emerging Findings - Journey time reductions
Initial journey time reductions have been achieved by enhancing the existing track infrastructure to accommodate line speeds of up to 200 kph where appropriate:
- Infrastructure Enhancement principally within the existing rail corridors, including removal of permanent speed restrictions and improving track geometry
- Services operated by a new fleet of electric trains capable of operating at speeds up to 200kph where appropriate
- Train services based on Indicative Train Service Specifications (ITSS), defining frequency of train services (e.g. 2 trains per hour), station calling patterns and type of trains (e.g. Intercity, Regional, Commuter)
The graph below provides an overview of existing journey times [dark green], journey time ambitions by 2050 [amber] and initial, reduced journey times achieved by enhancing the existing track infrastructure [light green]. The project team is currently assessing additional interventions required to fully achieve the journey time ambitions as laid out in Iarnród Éireann’s Rail 2050 strategy.
The graph below compares the fastest journey time from Dublin Heuston to Cork Kent based on enhancements to the existing track infrastructure. The current journey time of 157 minutes is based on train service listed in the December 2023 timetable most directly comparable to the proposed future Intercity service between the two stations.
