Irish Rail: riding the Celtic tiger's tail

This article outlines the current and planned developments in the Irish railway network Iarnrod Eireann (IE). This is overwhelmingly a passenger railway, receiving about half its financing from the government. Ireland's economy has been buoyant in recent years and population has grown, increasing passenger demand. Investment in the railway since 1999 principally aimed at improving track quality and safety, and a resignalling programme is expected to be complete in 2009. An inner-suburban line at the city of Dublin provides a metro-style service and trains on this line are being refurbished and lengthened, with longer station platforms. Signalling improvements should increase service frequency. Commuter services are in increasing demand at both Dublin and Cork: new stations are being built and extra track laid. Inter-city services include cross-border routes to Northern Ireland. Rail freight makes a loss in Ireland and only some contracts have been retained by IE. Future plans include reopening of some lines, increased electrification, and a new interchange tunnel in Dublin, the Interconnector, linking the main stations within the city. (A)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00268356
• Authors:
  • FEARN, D
• Publication Date: 2006-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: pp 50,52,54,56-57
• Serial:
  • MODERN RAILWAYS
  • Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing, Limited
  • ISSN: 0026-8356

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Financing; Intercity transportation; Investments; Networks; Passenger transportation; Railroad transportation; Signals; Suburbs; Work trips
• Geographic Terms: Ireland
• ITRD Terms: 244: Financing; 388: Inter urban; 227: Investment; 8049: Ireland; 621: Journey to work; 1146: Passenger transport; 1063: Railway network; 6967: Signal; 304: Suburbs
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01043768
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Mar 9 2007 8:21AM