Next Steps
FourNorth is in the early stages of development. Key milestones include:
Summer 2026:
- Identify the Emerging Preferred Option and develop the concept design.
Late 2026:
- Non-statutory public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Option: An opportunity for the public to review the emerging option, provide feedback and help shape the next stage of the project.
- Analyse feedback received on the Emerging Preferred Option.
- Confirm the Preferred Option and prepare of a Preliminary Business Case based on the concept design to give an early indication of the project’s value.
Future Stage (subject to Government approval):
- Funding is required from the approving authority in order to progress to future stages, including the preliminary design and the statutory process.
- A Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála would then be prepared by Iarnród Éireann. As part of this process, the public can submit observations directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála before any decision is made. An approved Railway Order is required before procurement and construction.
Major transport infrastructure projects take time to plan, design, approve and deliver. FourNorth must navigate an extensive, multi-stage regulatory and approval process, which is expected to take several years before the project can progress to procurement and construction. Iarnród Éireann will continue to keep rail users and local communities informed about project progress, opportunities to engage and any potential construction impacts.
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