The Irish rail network transformation

This article outlines the development projects on the Republic of Ireland's railway network. Following a long period of underinvestment, the first priority was to increase safety, with track, signals, bridges and level crossings being renewed or replaced. The next phase of investment is in modernisation of the intercity rolling stock, to increase passenger comfort, accessibility, information and security. The expanding commuter area around the city of Dublin presents challenges to implement fleet and network improvements quickly to meet increased demand. The next projects in Dublin include city centre resignalling, a new terminal and other stations, and line reopening and upgrading. A major interchange tunnel, the Interconnecter, under the city, would combine all modes of rail based transport into a cohesive network. Regional and freight services are also being improved.