Foynes-Limerick LIne Prepared For Rail Traffic

The €104million project will see the 42km line to Foynes Port reopened to rail traffic for the first time since 2001.

Phase 1 of the works involved major preparations of the site such as vegetation clearance and the removal of existing track. New ballast was laid to bring the ballast bed up to modern Iarnród Éireann – Irish Rail (IÉ) standards while bridges and culverts were rehabilitated and renewed. New rail and concrete sleepers were laid along the entire route and lineside fencing was repaired.

In mid-October two OTMs - which are operated and maintained by Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group (Ireland) were craned onto site in order to prepare the track for traffic.

Tamper 742 and Regulator 704 were brought by road from Limerick Junction to the Askeaton compound and they were then lifted onto the line.

A total work package of 90 shifts is being delivered by Rhomberg Sersa and will run until February 2025.

Afterwards Phase 2 of the project will include: installing a signalling system on the route; installation of CCTV at level crossings; introduction of train communications system; and upgrades at Limerick and Foynes yard.

The final step before opening will be testing and commissioning.

The line is being rehabilitated as part of IÉ’s commitment to its Rail Freight 2040 Strategy to place rail at the centre of Ireland’s freight transport system. This aims to create connections which offer Irish businesses greater opportunities to switch from road haulage to more sustainable rail transport.

It also aligns with the Shannon Foynes Port company's 2041 Masterplan, which aims to transform the port into a hub for the production of giant ocean-based green wind turbines off the Shannon estuary, and as a location for the production and transport of green energies like hydrogen and ammonia.

The Limerick to Foynes rail link first opened in 1858 and underwent a major upgrade in the mid-1960s when the whole line was rebuilt to carry extra heavy mineral traffic. While passenger traffic stopped in 1963, the upgrade meant it remained open for freight traffic until 2001, although it was used infrequently in later years of service.

Iarnród Éireann has said this significant upgrade of the line will facilitate rail freight services but will not preclude the possibility of passenger services being reintroduced on the line in the future but this would require further infrastructure upgrades and funding.

The line is due to re-open in early 2026.