Dublin: Iarnród Éireann has announced plans for a major expansion of the Dublin Connolly–Malahide railway line, one of Ireland’s busiest rail corridors, with the construction of a four-track network aimed at increasing capacity and reducing congestion.
The multi-million-euro Four North Project will upgrade the existing two-track section between Dublin Connolly and Malahide to four tracks, addressing long-standing bottlenecks that have caused delays across the national rail network, particularly during peak travel periods.
The project is designed to:
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Increase rail capacity.
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Allow more trains to operate on the route.
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Improve timetable reliability.
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Deliver more frequent passenger services.
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Strengthen rail connections between North Dublin, Meath, Louth, and Belfast.
The expanded corridor is expected to significantly improve journey times and support future growth in passenger demand.
Public Consultation to Shape Final Design
The project is being jointly funded by the Department of Transport and the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport Programme.
A public consultation will be launched later this year to help determine the final route and design of the project.
Iarnród Éireann said local communities, commuters, businesses, and public authorities will have an opportunity to contribute to the planning process and help shape the development.
The railway operator described the project as a major investment in a strategic rail corridor that supports daily commuting, strengthens regional connectivity, and promotes a more sustainable transport network for Ireland.
Additional Upgrades Planned
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said the government is already investing in the Northern Line to reduce congestion and improve service reliability.
As part of the wider programme, new passing loops and turnback facilities will be developed at:
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Mosney
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Skerries
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Malahide
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Clongriffin
These improvements are expected to enhance journey times and operational reliability for both Enterprise and DART services.
The Minister said the programme will also receive support through European Union funding and the Shared Island Fund.
The announcement comes following scrutiny of the country’s rail traffic management systems after a significant IT failure that disrupted rail operations nationwide.
The incident, which resulted in losses estimated at €50 million, prompted closer examination of Ireland’s rail infrastructure and reinforced the need for continued investment in modernising the national rail network.
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