FourNorth Project
What is FourNorth?
Iarnród Éireann is progressing FourNorth, a major rail infrastructure project on the Northern Line between Dublin Connolly and Malahide, the busiest and one of the most critical sections of Ireland's rail network. FourNorth is proposing additional rail tracks to address a critical bottleneck, increasing network capacity to make space for more trains and improve how the railway operates now and into the future.
The Northern Line currently operates with two tracks shared by multiple services. This constrained layout limits operational flexibility, with even small disruptions quickly impacting the network, particularly at peak times.
With increased capacity on the Northern Line, FourNorth would allow faster and stopping services to run on separate tracks. This aims to support faster and more frequent trains, improve service reliability for passengers, and create a more resilient rail line that can support future growth and provide greater flexibility to keep services running when disruptions occur.
Project Benefits
| FourNorth aims to: | |
|---|---|
 | Capacity | Increase rail capacity with space for more trains and more people |
 | Frequency | Enable faster, more frequent trains and predictable services, including at peak times |
 | Reliability | Support fewer delays and disruptions through greater flexibility to keep trains running during incidents and weekend maintenance works |
 | A better journey | Provide more choice, comfort and a better travel experience on trains and at stations for passengers |
 | Unlock potential | Support future rail projects identified in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, and complement the delivery of planned public transport projects, strengthening the wider network |
 | Stronger connectivity | Improve rail connections along the Dublin-Belfast route, supporting stronger links between the island's two largest cities and the communities along the route |
 | Enable growth | Connect people to jobs, education, services and housing, supporting sustainable development and economic growth |
 | Sustainable travel | Encourage sustainable transport choices to reduce car dependency and support Ireland’s decarbonisation targets |
This page provides the latest information on the project and will be updated as it progresses. More information about the project is available in the links below.
About Four North
About Four North
The railway line between Dublin-Connolly and Malahide stations is a critical link in Ireland’s transport network.
Key Benefits: FourNorth
Key Benefits: FourNorth
Four North will deliver the benefits for everyday passenger journeys.
Strategic Alignment: FourNorth
Strategic Alignment: FourNorth
Four North strongly aligns with international, national and local strategies and policies, supporting Ireland’s climate, connectivity and sustainable growth goals.
Public Engagement
Public Engagement
Iarnród Éireann intends to engage with the public and key partners in second half of 2026
Next Steps
Next Steps
FourNorth is in the early stages of development as part of a multi-stage planning, design and approval process.
FAQs
FAQs
Frequently asked questions for the Four North project.
Funding
This phase of FourNorth is funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme in collaboration with the Department of Transport.
*Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of Iarnród Éireann only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Department of Transport. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
How to Engage
The project team is available to answer any queries you may have on FourNorth. To get in touch, you can email us at fournorth@irishrail.ie
Iarnród Éireann is committed to ongoing meaningful engagement and details will be shared about the public consultation events in the near future. In advance of the public engagement event we invite you to provide your experience and feedback on the area under study by filling out the online survey here.
This page provides the latest information on the project and will be updated as it progresses.
