Limerick to Foynes Freight Line
The 42km stretch of railway between Limerick and Foynes originally opened in 1858 but has been inactive since 2001. The line remains under the stewardship of Iarnród Éireann and will now be renewed to support the reintroduction of rail freight services on the line.
Under the Iarnród Éireann Rail Freight 2040 Strategy we’re committed to positioning rail at the centre of Ireland’s freight transport system, creating connections and giving greater opportunity for business to switch from road freight to more sustainable rail freight. Reopening of the line, working with our colleagues at the Shannon Foynes Port Company, we will deliver a reliable, frequent and sustainable logistics option for many companies that currently or in the future will use the port of Foynes.
The line regeneration, while initially for rail freight services, will not preclude the possibility of passenger services being reintroduced on this line in the future subject to further infrastructure upgrades and funding.
Key project elements
Construction has commenced on phase one of this project, funded by the Department of Transport, which involves the following works:
• Vegetation clearance and removal of existing track.
• Replacement of track formation and installation of a new ballast bed to current Iarnród Éireann standards.
• Rehabilitation and / or renewal of bridges and culverts.
• Supply and installation of new rail and concrete sleepers along the entire route.
• Renewal of road infrastructure at public road level crossings.
• Renewal of accommodation crossings.
• Renewal of lineside fencing.
• Installation of infrastructure to accommodate the next phase of the project
Next Steps
Work has commenced on phase one of the project which is anticipated for completion in 2024.
Phase two of the project will include; provision of a signalling system for the route, CCTV level crossings, train communications system and track connections and upgrades at Limerick and in Foynes Yard. Subject to funding allocation for phase 2 it is expected that this work will take 18 months to complete, and it is anticipated that the route will open for freight services in 2025.
The project team will engage with communities and stakeholders along the route throughout the coming months.
Contact details.
The project team can be contacted by emailing foynesproject@irishrail.ie