Phase 1 of Foynes-Limerick Line Now Complete

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 project 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 new rail and concrete sleepers were laid along the entire route. 

In mid-October, 2024, two On Track Machines (OTMs) were craned onto site in order to prepare the track for traffic. Tamper 742 and Regulator 704 were brought by road, and they were then lifted onto the line.  

Over the following four months, a total of 104 shifts were delivered by Rhomberg Sersa. A total of 64 shifts were completed by the tamper and 40 by the Regulator. Both of these machines play a critical role in preparing the ballast for the safe passage of traffic. 

Phase 2 of the project is now taking place and will include the installation of 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 to traffic in 2026 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.