Strides made in reopening Foynes to Limerick rail line for freight

ADVANCEMENTS in the first phase of the project to reopen the Foynes to Limerick railway line for freight transport has been reported by Iarnród Éireann.

As part of Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy, the River Maigue bridge in Adare has been lifted out for restoration and repair, in a step towards reinstating the rail link, with operations expected to resume in early 2024.

The endeavor kicked off earlier this year, with a strategic approach that involved initiating construction in the Foynes area before progressing eastward towards Limerick city. Key components, such as all the required rail materials and an initial batch of new concrete sleepers, have already been delivered to the construction site.

Clearance and removal of the existing track commenced in the spring of 2023 and are slated for completion by the end of this year. Boundary fencing has been erected between Foynes Port and Adare, with various fencing types, including palisade, concrete post and wire, and timber post and wire fencing, now in place.

Simultaneously, works have commenced at Robertstown Viaduct, starting with the demolition of the existing structure. The new viaduct is on schedule to be substantially completed by the spring of 2024. Excavation and earthworks for the new track bed and ballast are well underway, accompanied by the installation of ducting and drainage pipes along the route. Track laying, a critical phase of the project, is anticipated to commence in early 2024.

The second phase of this ambitious venture will see the implementation of a modern signaling system for the railway route, CCTV-equipped level crossings, an advanced train communications system, and necessary track connections and upgrades at Limerick and Foynes Port. Subject to funding allocations for phase two, it is expected that this work will take approximately 18 months to complete, ultimately opening the route for freight services in 2025.

The railway line, covering a 42km stretch between Limerick and Foynes, originally opened in 1858 but ceased passenger services in 1963. Freight services persisted until 2001 when the line was declared inactive, although it remained under the stewardship of Iarnród Éireann.

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, expressed his delight at the progress made thus far, commending the team working on this project and eagerly anticipating the return of more sustainable rail freight services to the route by 2025.