IRISH RAIL IS envisaging a long-term plan for trains to run directly from Cork, Galway and other major cities directly into Dublin Airport.
The plan is dependent on the proposed Dart underground going ahead which would link-up Heuston and Connolly stations.
This would connect with the planned Dart extension that is slated to link-up Dublin Airport to the city via a “spur” at Clongriffin.
“That would then link that line directly through to Heuston Station so at that point you’re talking about Intercity trains coming right into Heuston Station with a Dart connection there bringing you to the airport,” Irish Rail’s Barry Kenny told Newstalk Breakfast.
The Dart extension is estimated to cost €200 million and planning permission has been given for it. Funding has not, however, been secured and Kenny says some funding would have to be forthcoming this year so that permission does not lapse.
The €2 billion Dart underground plan linking Connolly and Heuston has long been mooted by transport strategists as a key to the future of Ireland and Dublin’s rail services.
Irish Rail then pictures longer-term plans whereby Intercity services would be electrified. It would mean those cities outside the capital could potentially travel to Dublin Airport without changing trains.
“As you move, as you see in other countries, to the electrification of intercity routes, you could then have direct routes from Cork and other major cities through the underground line to Dublin Airport,” explains Kenny.
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