Strategy up to 2030 presented at rail seminar

Airport link to national network recommended

A major report into the future strategy for the national rail network has recommended that improvements in speeds and capacity on Intercity lines be prioritised.

The AECOM/Goodbody Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review is being presented at Rail Vision 2030, a seminar on the future of rail transport in Ireland in Dublin today (Wednesday 22nd February).

The report, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, also envisages longer-term electrification of key sections of the network on sustainability grounds, and calls for connections for Dublin Airport to be progressed – initially via a major M50 Park and Ride station, with a spur from the existing DART line to the Airport to follow. While focused on the national network, the report also endorsed key elements of the Dublin rail strategy, including DART Underground, and the extension of the DART network to Commuter lines in the Greater Dublin area.

Download the Executive summary of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

Download part 1 of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

Download part 2 of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

The key findings of the report include:

- The national Intercity and commuter network has a key role to play in promoting economic development

- The need to ensure that the maintenance and renewal of the infrastructure on an ongoing basis is safeguarded, to avoid the asset being ‘run down’ over time

- Investment in track to give journey time improvements of up to 30 minutes on key Intercity routes, including Dublin to Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Mayo and Waterford, resulting in journey times of 2 hours from Dublin/Cork; 1 hour 45 minutes Dublin/Galway, and under 2 hours for other major cities

- Increases in service frequency on selected routes, with additional capacity through double-tracking the line from Portarlington to Athlone

- Development of a Dublin (M50) Parkway Station on the route into Heuston, allowing customers to the west and south of the city to connect to Intercity rail services, and providing an Airport to Dublin Parkway bus shuttle

- Subsequent development of Airport rail link from Clongriffin to Dublin Airport, to link the national rail network to the country’s gateway airport, in line with European Union strategic goals

- Longer-term, electrification of key routes including Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Galway, enabling Galway and Cork to Dublin Airport rail services via Dublin city and DART Underground

- A number of potential new regional rail lines are evaluated, with only Athenry to Tuam currently envisaged a candidate for further consideration

- Rail freight to continue to operate on a commercial basis, with an Exchequer grant aid facility to enterprises and Iarnród Éireann to support new freight projects with a clear economic return, supported by cost-benefit analysis

- Restructuring and simplification of Intercity fare structures (this process has been commenced in this month’s Intercity fare review, approved by the National Transport Authority

Reviewing the report, Dick Fearn stated “It is clear from the outcome of the report that rail must remain a core element of our national transport strategy, and can continue to develop its role. The report highlights the importance of ensuring that, even in the current environment, normal maintenance and renewal of infrastructure must take place, and to that end we welcome the confirmation that this is being maintained within the reduced Exchequer capital programme.

The AECOM/Goodbody report charts a course to ensure that rail can play a strong and economically sustainable role in meeting the transport needs of our communities into the future. It sets priorities and challenges for all stakeholders involved in or with an interest in delivering transport solutions in Ireland, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to chart a vision for our future network.”

For a live feed of, and to comment on, the Rail Vision 2030 seminar on the future of rail transport in Ireland (Weds 22nd February 08.30-11.30), please go to our new blog, Railway Lines.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

A special return fare of €17.00 per adult and €8.50 per child will apply.

Rail tickets can be purchased from Heuston station booking office or ticket machines on the day.

Due to Track Works between Birdhill and Roscrea on Saturday 25th February, the following arrangemens will apply:

16.45 Limerick to Ballybrophy service will be substituted by buses.

10.05 Ballybrophy to Limerick service will be substituted by buses.

18.54 Ballybrophy to Limerick service will be substituted by buses.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause. 

The new service is one of a number of changes which will benefit rail customers from the Nenagh branch line, serving Castleconnell, Birdhill, Nenagh, Roscrea and Cloughjordan. There will also be improvements to Limerick/Dublin services and Kildare commuter services as a result, following approval of changes by the National Transport Authority.

The new service and service changes which take effect from Monday 5th March are:

- New 05.15 Limerick to Dublin via Nenagh service (Mon-Fri), serving Castleconnell (05.31), Birdhill (05.40), Nenagh (06.04), Cloughjordan (06.21) and Roscrea (06.38) arriving in Dublin Heuston at 08.25.

- The new 05.15 Limerick to Dublin via Nenagh service will also serve Ballybrophy (07.01), Portlaoise (07.16), Sallins (07.58), Hazelhatch (08.07) and Adamstown (08.12), giving a new morning commuter train for these towns.

- New direct 13.40 Heuston to Limerick service daily (Mon to Sat) serving Portlaoise (14.39), Thurles (15.08) and arriving in Limerick at 15.50.

- Nenagh branch customers will now connect off the 17.05 Heuston to Tralee service in the evenings at Ballybrophy (departs Ballybrophy 18.20), replacing the existing connection off the 17.25 Heuston to Limerick service

- A new additional evening connection will be provided for Nenagh branch customers off the 18.00 Heuston to Cork service at Ballybrophy (departs Ballybrophy at 19.15)

- The existing 16.45 Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh service will be rescheduled to depart at 16.05, arriving at Ballybrophy at 18.00, and connecting with the 18.16 Ballybrophy to Dublin Heuston service.

- The existing 17.45 Limerick to Nenagh commuter service will now be rescheduled to depart at 17.05 from Limerick to Nenagh, and will continue to Cloughjordan and Ballybrophy also.

- The existing 10.05 Ballybrophy to Limerick via Nenagh will now arrive in Limerick at 11.59, and the 12.00 Limerick to Limerick Junction will now depart at 12.02, to allow a connection between these two trains.

The service changes will increase connections between Dublin and Nenagh from two each way currently to four Nenagh to Dublin connections and three Dublin to Nenagh connections daily.

Fares for customers travelling from Nenagh and Roscrea to Dublin are:

Nenagh-Dublin

Adult Single: €25.50

Adult Day Return: €26.00

Adult Open Return: €33.00

Student Single: €17.50

Student Open Return: €25.00

Child fares: 50% of adult fare rounded down to nearest 50c

Roscrea-Dublin

Adult Single: €24.00

Adult Day Return: €24.50

Adult Open Return: €32.00

Student Single: €14.50

Student Open Return: €20.90

Child fares: 50% of adult fare rounded down to nearest 50c

Full details of new schedule from 5th March for Dublin to Limerick via Nenagh

A regular Saturday DART service will operate to and from Lansdowne Road DART Station with extra DART services operating before and after the match.

It takes only 4 minutes to get from the City Centre (Pearse Station) to the Aviva stadium and you can get there for as little as €1.50 using a Leap/Smartcard.

After the match Grand Canal Dock station will be closed from 14.30hrs. to 16.30hrs.  Customers travelling home by DART should depart from Lansdowne Road.

Bicycles will not be carried on DART or Commuter services on Saturday 25th February from 11.00hrs to 17.00hrs.

Some minor delays to some services may be experienced due to additional demand.

City Centre and North Dublin Resignalling Project Works

Works which had been scheduled for 3rd-4th March 2012, affecting services between Howth and Howth Junction, have now been deferred to 8th-9th April.

Iarnród Éireann apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For printed timetables and permanent Timetable alterations please click here

ESB ecars is partnering with Iarnród Éireann to deliver an electric car charging service at  station car parks nationwide. Public transport hubs are an ideal location for charge points as electric car drivers can charge their car while they are parked there. The 30 charge points have been installed in the following station locations:

Drogheda, Newbridge, Sligo, Thurles and Kildare.  

ESB ecars is also rolling out public charge points in city centre car parks, shopping centres, Luas car parks, leisure facilities and tourist attractions. To date more than 550 charge points have been installed in public locations, service stations, commercial premises and in homes across Ireland. ESB ecars is also providing FREE home charge points to the first 2,000 purchasers of electric cars.

St. Michael’s House are asking volunteers to contribute second hand books from home and purchase donated books from their peers at a cost of €2.00 per book. This can be set up in a staff common area/classroom over a morning/evening for just one day or for the entire week. This campaign is in association with World Book Day on 1^st March.

Iarnród Éireann is delighted to support St. Michael’s House in the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. Bookstores will be in place in Connolly and Heuston Stations, giving our customers a great opportunity to share and find great reading material for their daily commute, while contributing to services for people with intellectual disability. So if you’re passing through either station, why not take a browse, buy a book and help support St. Michael’s House services.

These essential funds will support Early Services, children with  intellectual disabilities. Early Services is the first point of contact for families and provides support for children and their families up to school-going age. Funds raised in 2012 will support the following areas: Clinical, Educational and Parent Training Supports.

For more details and to register log onto www.bringabookbuyabook.ie 

Further Upcoming Events

Carols for Commuters 2012

Our Carols for Commuters Campaign is set to continue this Christmas 2012 and we’re already looking for volunteers to help raise essential funds.  If you are a member of a Choir, Band or even a soloist and would like to donate some time to perform in Heuston or Connolly Stations this Christmas, please contact:

Fundraising Office

St. Michael's House

Ballymun Rd

Ballymun

Dublin 9

T:01 8840200.

W:www.smh.ie  

E:fundraising@smh.ie  

To learn more about St.Michael’s House, log onto www.smh.ie or why not 'Like' their Facebook page. 

While these issues are now rectified, customers who were unable to pay for their parking as a result earlier today will not be liable to be clamped.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Due to Track Works at Pearse Station on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February, the following Drogheda Commuter trains will operate to Connolly only:

Saturday 11th February

08.00 Drogheda to Pearse will operate to Connolly only.

Sunday 12th February

08.55 Drogheda to Pearse will operate to Connolly only.

17.45 Drogheda to Pearse will operate to Connolly only.

19.10 Pearse to Drogheda will commence from Connolly at 19.17.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

In connection with this fixture a special train will operate as follows:

09.00 Claremorris to Dublin Heuston
19.20 Dublin Heuston to Claremorris

The line between Athy and Carlow has reopened following an earlier incident on the line, which was attended by the emergency services.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

• What is 3D Secure?
• How it Works?
• Who developed 3D Secure?
• Why was 3D Secure developed?
• Why is it called ‘3D Secure’?
• Why is Iarnród Éireann adopting 3D Secure now?
• Were my ticket purchases secure before 3D Secure?
• I haven’t used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?
• Do I need to update my credit card or get a new one before using 3D Secure?
• I have a Laser debit card, how does 3D Secure affect me?
• Is 3D Secure free?
• Do I need special software for 3D Secure?
• Will 3D Secure add extra time to my purchasing experience?
• I have used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?
• What password should I select?
• I can’t remember my 3D Secure Password, who do I contact?
• Are there any alternatives to payment with 3D Secure?
• I don't wish to register with 3D Secure - can I still pay online?
• How can I find out more details about 3D Secure?
• What does my bank or card provider say about 3D Secure?

Q. What is 3D Secure?
A. 3-D Secure is a protocol used as an added layer of security for online credit and debit card transactions. This is achieved by adding another authentication step for online payments; a password.

Q. How it Works?
A. If you haven’t purchased an item online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be redirected to your issuing credit card’s secure website where you must verify some personal details and select a password. You must never disclose this password to anyone – this is how you guarantee your card is secure. Do not write your password down anywhere.

Q. Who developed 3D Secure?
A. It was developed by Visa and named “Verified by Visa”. MasterCard then developed a service based on the same protocol called “MasterCard SecureCode”.

Q. Why was 3D Secure developed?
A. It was developed to improve the security of Internet payments by offering an extra layer of security to customers before making a purchase online. This involves selecting a password. This ensures your credit card cannot be used fraudulently as only the customer will know the associated password.

Q. Why is it called ‘3D Secure’?
A. '3D Secure' stands for "3 Domain Secure" as there are 3 parties involved in the online payment process: irishrail.ie, our Bank, and Visa or MasterCard.

Q. Why is Iarnród Éireann adopting 3D Secure now?
A. 3D Secure is compulsory, every bank will be required to implement this technology if they are to remain offering card services. All major banks around the world are either supporting 3D Secure or at advanced stage of offering it. What's more, if the merchant accepts 3D Secure, then the merchant is protected irrespective if the client's bank supports it or not.

Q. Were my ticket purchases secure before 3D Secure?
A. Yes, there is nothing to worry about. This additional step simply removes the possibility of someone else using your card fraudulently. Irishrail.ie has always used the strongest security standards and will continue to do so.

Q. I haven’t used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?
A. If you haven’t purchased an item online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be redirected to your issuing credit card’s secure website where you must verify some personal details and select a password. You must never disclose this password to anyone – this is how you guarantee your card is secure. Do not write your password down anywhere.

Q. Do I need to update my credit card or get a new one before using 3D Secure?
A. No, your existing credit card can be used.

Q. I have a Laser debit card, how does 3D Secure affect me?
A. Laser cards are processed through the MasterCard SecureCode element of 3D Secure.

Q. Is 3D Secure free?
A. Yes, 3D Secure is a free service provided by Visa and MasterCard.

Q. Do I need special software for 3D Secure?
A. No, 3D Secure will operate in your web browser as a webpage – you will not need to download any additional software or plugins.

Q. Will 3D Secure add extra time to my purchasing experience?
A. The 3D Secure authentication process is smoothly integrated into our online checkout process and will usually only add a few seconds to the normal transaction time. We believe this is a small price to pay for increased protection for our customers.

Q. I have used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?
A. If you have purchased an item online using 3D Secure before, you will be asked to submit your chosen password during the purchasing process.

Q. What password should I select?
A. The password you decide to use should be chosen in such a way that nobody else can guess it. A secure password is ideally

• a minimum of 8 characters in length and
• a mixture of letters, numbers and characters.
• You should select a password that only you can memorise – do not write it down anywhere.
• Do not select a password that is the same as your irishrail.ie account.

Q. I can’t remember my 3D Secure Password, who do I contact?
A. If you can’t remember your 3D Secure password you need to contact your card issuer. Iarnród Éireann will never contact a customer to ask for 3D Secure password and we cannot help you retrieve forgotten 3D Secure passwords. We don’t save your 3D Secure password on any Iarnród Éireann computer system; when you selected your password this was saved only on the issuer’s computer system.

Q. Are there any alternatives to payment with 3D Secure?
A. If you have been unsuccessful in making a payment through 3D Secure please contact our customer information line hotline on 1850 366 222 (between 08:30hrs-18.00hrs, Monday to Friday) to make your payment over the phone.

Q. I don't wish to register with 3D Secure - can I still pay online?
A. Unfortunately not. Instead you will need to contact our sales hotline on 1850 366 222 (between 08.30-18.00, Monday to Friday) to make your payment over the phone.

Q. How can I find out more details about 3D Secure?
A. For further details on 3D Secure you need to contact your issuing bank. Alternatively, you can view demonstrations and FAQs on the following websites:

• Verified by Visa - Information and Activation
• Verified by Visa - Demonstration of using Verified by Visa (Flash plugin Required)
• MasterCard SecureCode – Explanation, Sign up & Demonstration

Q. What does my bank or card provider say about 3D Secure?

• Bank of Ireland
• AIB
• Ulster Bank
• Permanent TSB
• National Irish Bank (NIB)

At that time, the NTA stated that Intercity fares would be subject to a separate decision by the National Transport Authority, which would also address some existing anomalies in fare structures.

Today (26^th January 2012), the NTA has approved a fare revision for Intercity fares.  The fare revision will see a new, simplified fare structure, with three basic ticket types for all Intercity routes: Single, Day Return, and Open Return.  Fares will be set also according to route types: Express, Economy 1, Economy 2, reflecting the variations in speeds on the network. 

In addressing these anomalies, there will be a range of impacts, with increases to some fares and reductions in others.  In summary:

• There are 143 fare band increases
• There are 66 fare band decreases
• 15 fare bands remain unchanged

Where fares have been increased, the range of increase varies from 0.63% to 13.33%. The higher increases have been applied to those fares most anomalous in distance pricing, under the new model.

The range of decreases varies from -0.79% to -29.41%. Significant fares decreases were required on some fares on Galway and Rosslare services to align them with Sligo and Waterford, respectively.

For fares over €25, this is the first fares revision in over three years, since January 2009.

Iarnród Éireann welcomes the NTA’s decision to restructure fares which addresses some legacy anomalies from previous fare regulation.  The approval for some increases will also enable Iarnród Éireann to maintain services following the subvention reduction announced in December’s Budget, while the company continues its focus on reducing costs.

The fares and fare structure relate to booking office fares.  Iarnród Éireann has also removed certain booking office promotional fares.

Web fares may differ, with single fares always lower online, and a range of fares available up to a maximum of the new booking office fares.

The new fares, coupled with our continuing web promotions at www.irishrail.ie , and other promotions, provide a range of options for customers in a more user-friendly structure, which will be of benefit to customers into the future.

Full details of the NTA’s approval of these fare increases, with a full list of fare revisions, is available at http://www.nationaltransport.ie/news.html

The line has now been cleared and the trains are continuing their journeys.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused.

Take the train to the Ireland V Wales six Nations Rugby International in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 5th February.  Kick off at 15.00hrs.  Direct train services from Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Wexford  and Waterford to Dublin.

A special train will depart Rossslare Europort at 09.05hrs, arriving Dublin Connolly at 12.04hrs.

A special train will depart Cork at 09.30hrs, arriving Dublin Heuston at 12.10hrs.  An extra train is also scheduled to return from Dublin Heuston to Cork at 20.00hrs arriving Cork Kent Station at 22.45hrs.

A special train will depart Galway at 10.05hrs. serving Athenry at 10.19hrs, Ballinasloe at 10.48hrs, Athlone at 11.06hrs, Tullamore at 11.31hrs arriving Dublin  Heuston at 12.45hrs.
Return trains to Galway depart Dublin Heuston at 18.45hrs and 20.30hrs.

Book online at www.irishrail.ie.

Tickets also available from local train stations.

Additional DART services will also operate before and after the match.

Grand Canal Dock station will be closed from 16.00hrs to 18.00hrs on this day, Sunday 5th February.  Trains will not call at Grand Canal Dock during this time.

Bicycles will not be carried on DART or Commuter Services from 11.30 to 17.30hrs.

Heineken Cup Rugby, Connacht V Harlequins, Fri 20th Jan. - The Sports Ground, Galway.  KO 20.00 Hrs.

In connection with the above fixture on Friday 20th January, the 22.15 Galway to Athlone service is deferred to 22.30 hrs.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Due to track works between Killarney and Tralee from Tuesday 31st January to Thursday 2nd  February and Tuesday 7th to Thursday 9th February, the following alterations will apply:

09.00 Cork to Tralee - will operate to Killarney only.Bus transfers will operate from Killarney to Farranfore and Tralee.

11.30 Mallow to Tralee - will operate to Killarney only.  Bus transfers will operate from Killarney to Farranfore and Tralee.

13.30 Mallow to Tralee - will operate to Killarney only.  Bus transfers will operate from Killarney to Farranfore and Tralee.

11.15 Tralee to Mallow - will be bus transfers from Tralee to Farranfore and Killarney and by train from Killarney to Mallow.  Buses will depart Tralee at 11.15 and train will depart Killarney at 11.57.

13.15 Tralee to Mallow - will be bus transfers from Tralee to Farranfore and Killarney and by train from Killarney to Mallow.  Buses will depart Tralee at 13.15.  Train will depart Killarney at 13.57.

15.15 Tralee to Mallow - will be bus transfers from Traleee to Farranfore and Killarney and by train from Killarney to Mallow.  Buses will depart Tralee at 15.15.  Train will depart Killarney at 15.57.

Iarnród Éireann regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Take the train to the Heineken Cup match between Munster and Castres in Thomond Park Limerick on Saturday 14^th January.

Supporters travelling from Cork have a choice of services at 09.30, 10.30, 11.30 or 12.30hrs returning from Limerick at 18.55hrs or 20.10hrs.

Supporters travelling from Dublin can travel on trains at 09.00, 10.00, 11.00 or 12.00hrs returning from Limerick at 18.55hrs or 20.55hrs.

Early booking advised on www.irishrail.ie   

DO YOU LOVE YOUR STATION? IF SO GET VOTING FOR THIS YEAR’S BEST STATION AWARDS (Voting Now Closed)

The quest has begun for this year’s Iarnród Éireann Best Station and competition will be as tough as ever this year as customers will directly rate stations in the race to take the coveted title!

The format for the Best Station Awards will see awards decided by text and online voting by customers for 142 stations around the network. Customers will be asked to rate their station between 1 – 5, 5 being the highest grade, under the following criteria:

• Staff helpfulness
• Customer information
• Station presentation
• Staff appearance

Vote now for your station Voting Has No Closed, Thank You

Alternatively, customers can text: Vote followed by the station they wish to rate to 53700 (all texts charged 30 cent).

A text will be sent by reply with the four criteria above to be graded from 1 – 5, 5 being the highest.

All entrants will be entered into a draw to win one of 5 luxury weekend weekends courtesy of Select Hotels of Ireland, with Iarnród Éireann also providing the train travel to and from the 5 great destinations.

DART Commuters will be receive a questionaire at stations and all those that complete and return it will be in with a chance to win free DART travel for a year.

 The Best Station Awards will be presented later this year and awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Best Intercity Station Leinster
• Best Intercity Station Munster
• Best Intercity Station Connaught
• Best DART/Commuter Station
• Community Award
• Overall Best Station

Iarnród Éireann is encouraging customers to send in their ratings: both for excellence in service and standards, and in areas where customers wish to see improvements.

Voting Has Now Closed, Thank You 

The process will be as follows:

1. Following the closing date for public ratings, a shortlist of stations in each geographic region will be drawn up, based exclusively on the public ratings.

2. An independent market research company will undertake “mystery shopper” exercises at all shortlisted stations to assess stations on a detailed basis.

3. Nominations for each geographic award category will be announced, based on a combination of public ratings and the mystery shopper exercise.

4. The winners, including overall national winner, will be announced at the awards ceremony.

These increases follow from the reduction in funds available to subsidise public transport announced in the Budget.

The new Leap Card (a smartcard card which will operate across all public transport providers) will give commuters and travellers an option to pay lower fares. The Leap card is now available.

The Authority has approved increases for Iarnród Éireann averaging 6% on DART and 6.7% on Commuter services. A significant discount on cash fares will continue to be available for customers using the new Leap Card. This discount ranges between 16% and 19% for single fares.

The following fare types will increase from 4th January 2012:

Dublin DART Commuter Fares

• Adult and Child Single, Day Return, 3 Day and 7 Day tickets together with all Weekly and Monthly fares.

• Schoolchild Single and Return tickets.

• Some Adult, Child, Schoolchild and Scholar epurse fares on Smartcards will be increased. Epurse fares apply to both the IE Smartcard and the Leap Card, but will be in all cases lower than cash fares.

• Rail/Luas and Rail/Bus/Luas fares will also be adjusted from this date.

Cork/Cobh Commuter Fares

• Adult and Child Single & Day Returns and Adult, Student and Child Weekly and Monthly fares.

Commuter Season Tickets

• Adult, Student and Child Weekly and Monthly fares will increase in all zones.

• Annual Tickets and Monthly Season Tickets issued under the Taxsaver scheme will be increased from Thursday 1st March 2012. Rail/Bus Tickets

• Fares increases to combined Bus and Rail tickets in the Dublin and Cork Commuter areas and Medium, Long and Giant Hop tickets will take place in February 2012.

Example of some fare increases from 4th January 2012

Intercity fares will be subject to a separate decision by the National Transport Authority, and any increase in these will be advised in due course.

For further information on the fare increases approval, please consult the NTA Website.

As part of this station improvement programme we would like to invite you to answer a quick survey in relation to Dublin Heuston, Dublin Connolly, Waterford, Limerick, Cork, Galway, Sligo, Tralee and Rosslare.

We will analyse the results to benchmark against previous surveys carried out to see how we are doing.

Many Thanks

Iarnród Éireann

Docklands Station will reopen for this evening rail services and M3 Parkway to Docklands services will operate as normal.

Iarnród Éireann aopologises for any inconvenience this earlier disruption may have caused.

Iarnród Éireann has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant a Railway Order – the equivalent of planning permission – for the construction of DART Underground. (Full An Bord Pleanála decision)

DART Underground will be the single most important piece of infrastructure in the state to ensure a modal shift from private to public transport, and free future generations from urban gridlock in the Greater Dublin area. It also links all rail modes - DART, Commuter, Intercity, Luas and proposed Metro - to form an integrated cohesive transport network.

The DART Underground rail line, which will run from Docklands to Inchicore, would increase the capacity of the Greater Dublin area's rail service to 100 million passenger journeys per annum, from a passenger total of 30 million passenger journeys annually today.

The project also has the strongest economic benefit of any transport scheme included in the Transport 21 programme.

Although construction of the project has been deferred due to the reduced availability of capital funding, the Government has stated that it will be reviewed in 2015 for the next capital investment programme. This ensures that Iarnród Éireann will be in a position to develop the line should funding be provided. The completion of the Railway Order process and granting of the Order will ensure that the project can be speedily resumed.

DART Underground is not a stand-alone project but is the vital link in a wider package of measures, including:

• electrification of the lines to extend the DART to Balbriggan, Maynooth and Hazelhatch

• signaling and track capacity enhancements to allow more trains to run more frequently

• significant expansion of the fleet and train depot facilities. All of these works will pave the way for the completed DART Underground to fill in the crucial final link that will release the full potential of this expanded and improved rail network into and out of Dublin.

Go to the DART Underground section for more information.

The awards recognise those members of staff who provide the highest level of service to our customers.

Our winners were:

Station staff Customer Service award:
Seán Tobin, Tullamore

On-board staff Customer Service award:
Happymore Karigomba, Heuston

Customer Relations staff Customer Service award:
Colm Gargan, Connolly

OVERALL Customer Service Staff Member of the Year:
Stephen McCabe, Pearse

Click here for a PDF version of the Christmas Timetable

Click here for a PDF version of the New Year Timetable

Or go to our homepage and search our Journey Planner

Please check your times before travelling on Intercity, DART and Commuter, as there are schedule alterations throughout this time on each day.

However, customers are advised to note in particular the following:

24th December (Christmas Eve): Most services will terminate by 21.00hrs approx. A Saturday service operates across DART and Dublin commuter.

25th-26th December (Christmas Day & St Stephen's Day): There are no rail services across DART, Commuter and Intercity on these days.

27th December: Public holiday - Saturday service on Cork commuter (from 08.00hrs), Sunday service on DART / Dublin commuter

28th-30th December: Weekday service on Cork commuter and Saturday service on DART / Dublin commuter with some revisions

31st December 2011 (New Year's Eve): Weekday service on Cork commuter and Saturday service on DART / Dublin commuter with some revisions - services terminate by 21.00hrs approx on all routes

1st January 2012 (New Year's Day): Public holiday - Sunday service on Cork commuter, Sunday service on DART / Dublin commuter. Reduced Sunday service on many Intercity routes.

2nd January 2012: Public holiday - Saturday service on Cork commuter, Sunday service on DART / Dublin commuter with some revisions

3rd January 2012: Normal schedules resume

REMEMBER: Please check the exact times for your journey before travelling on all routes.

We wish all our customers a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Munster V Scarlets, Thomond Park, Sunday 18th December, K.O. 12.45.

Improved Sunday connections have been organised between Cork and Limerick for supporters heading by train to this Sundays match in Thomond Park.

The 08.30hrs. Cork to Limerick service will now arrive into Limerick at the earlier time of 10.10hrs. while an extra return service to Cork has been arranged for 16.00hrs. in addition to the regular return times of 16.55 and 19.00hrs.

Docklands Station has reopened. Normal M3 Parkway/Docklands services are resuming following earlier signal fault at Glasnevin Junction.

Maynooth and Longford services are also operating normally.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused by this earlier disruption to services.

Leap Card

Leap Card, the new integrated ticket for public transport in the Greater Dublin area, has arrived! Leap Card is the hassle free way to pay for public transport around Dublin.

A Leap Card is a reusable plastic smart card that can be used instead of paper tickets to pay-as-you-go for transport in Dublin. Time based tickets (e.g. a weekly or monthly ticket) will be made available on Leap Cards in the near future.

Advantages of Leap Card

• It saves you money

You pay less with a Leap card than when you pay for single fares with cash, so you'll save yourself money.

• It's flexible

You can jump on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail services around Dublin when it suits you, without having to plan your journey or buy a specific ticket in advance.

• It's convenient

No more rooting around your pockets for the right change. Just pay the appropriate fare with the Travel Credit on your Leap Card!

• It's quicker

No more queuing at ticket machines for single tickets on Luas, DART and commuter rail. With the Leap Card you just Top-Up with Travel Credit and go whenever you like.

• It's safe

You can register your Leap Card online, so if it's lost or stolen, no one else can use it. Once you register, you can also see your card history and buy Travel Credit online.

Where can I buy a Leap Card?

Go to Leapcard.ie!

How do I use a Leap Card?

Leap Card use contactless technology. Customers hold their cards against the validators to ‘Touch-On’. Validators are located:

• Buses - at the entrance to the bus on the right hand side, and at the driver’s cab.
• Luas - on the platform.
• DART and Commuter Rail - at entry and exit points of stations, and on some platforms.

Don't forget to Touch-On before starting your journey to make sure your card is valid for travel. If you don’t Touch-On, you may be prosecuted for fare evasion.

When travelling on a bus, there is no requirement to Touch-Off. However, don't forget to Touch-Off at the end of your journey when travelling on DART and Commuter Rail or Luas so that the correct fare will be charged.

Failure to Touch-Off will result in the maximum fare being charged to your card.

I have an existing Rail Only epurse Smart Card, how do I get a Leap Card?

Customers with a current Rail Only epurse Smart Card, run down the balance on the card and apply on-line @ www.leapcard.ie

Input current rail epurse Smart Card number and complete contact details and you will be sent a Leap Card.

For full information, go to www.leapcard.ie

While machine charges for daily and weekly parking will increase, customers can ensure that the price of parking is unchanged by switching to ParkByText where there will be no increase.

Monthly charges will effectively be reduced for all customers, with the validity of the €30 monthly rate for machine or ParkByText customers extended from 28 days to 31 days for no extra charge.

Full details of new rates from 12th December 2011 are:

*Full list of stations below

The revised charges mean that, as well as being a more convenient way of paying for parking, ParkByText is now the cheapest way also, with no increase on current rates.

The monthly charge now sees customers’ parking rates reduced to less than €1 per day for all payment methods.

Customers can also open a ParkByText account, with added benefits including:

- Shorter and simpler payment process (An account holder is only required to send a short text message to complete payment whereas an unregistered user needs to send a similar text message followed by providing their credit card details to a voicemail phone number)

- Account holders have the option to receive text messages and/or emails with updates on special parking offers and system enhancements

- Account holders can select a free option of automatic top up to their account balance ensuring that they always have funds set aside for their parking charges

A 50 cent monthly account maintenance charge applies to customers choosing this option.

Further details are available at www.parkbytext.ie

How to use Parkbytext:

Parkbytext is a Cashless Payment System for use with mobile and smart phones. This has recently been introduced at all stations with paid car parks.

It gives customers an option to pay for their parking without having to carry cash, attend at a machine or display a ticket on their car windscreen.

Once payment has been made using parkbytext, the central system is updated to take account of this and the car park management company will then know who has paid for their parking.

Parkbytext offers two options.  One is as an account holder and the other is a pay as you go option. An account holder would have been pre-registered at www.parkbytext.ie.

To parkbytext as an account holder simply text: 

• PARK(location code)(duration) to 51155.
• All Location codes are displayed on car park signage nationwide.
• Duration can be day (D), week (W) or month (M).

For example, to park at Dalkey Station text:

• PARK 0858 D to 51155 to park for one day at location 0858 (i.e. Dalkey train station)

OR

• PARK 0858 W to 51155, to park for one week at location 0858 (i.e. Dalkey train station).

Account holders may also pay for parking by calling 0818 444 999. Visit www.parkbytext.ie to open an account.

To initiate parking session if not an account holder text:

• PARK(location code)(car registration) to 51155.

For example to park at Dalkey Station text:

• PARK 0858 07D72973 to 51155. 
• You will then receive an information text with further instructions to your mobile phone.

For full FAQs, benefits of opening and account, and Terms and Conditions visit www.parkbytext.ie or contact info@parkbytext.ie.

*List of stations for daily, weekly and monthly charges detailed:

Track Works due to take between Hazelhatch and Sallins on Monday 12th December have now been CANCELLED.

The 23.10hrs. service from Heuston to Kildare will now operate as normal.

 In an aim to raise essential funds for the charity, Christmas Choirs and collection points will be in Heuston and Connolly stations during December.

 Barbara Wiseman, Chief Fundraiser for St. Michael’s House commented: “We are delighted that Iarnród Éireann has chosen us as their charity for 2011/2012. It is great to have the support of a large national organisation like Iarnród Éireann. At St. Michael’s House, we provide community based services provided for people with intellectual disability. We hope with the support of Iarnród Éireann for 2011/2012, we can maintain and build on these services.”

St Michael's House is a community-based voluntary organisation. Founded by parents in 1955, the organisation has grown to become one of the largest providers of services to people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. Today St Michael’s House provides a range of specialised services to over 1,450 children and adults with a learning disability and their families through 160 community based centres in the greater Dublin area.

For further information: Log on to the St. Michael’s House website , or why not 'like' their Facebook page.

A curtailed Enterprise service, between Dublin and Dundalk only, will operate as follows:

Dublin-Dundalk: 07.35, 13.20, 16.50, 19.00

Dundalk-Dublin: 08.02, 11.48, 17.20, 21.23

The 06.45 Newry-Dublin-Bray service will start from Dundalk at 07.10.  The 18.40 Connolly to Dundalk is amalgamated with the 19.00 service, and will depart at 19.00.  All other non-Enterprise Dundalk commuter services will operate to a normal schedule.

Enterprise services cancelled which will affect customers between Dublin and Dundalk are:

From Dublin: 09.35, 11.00, 15.20, 20.50

From Dundalk: 09.10, 13.48, 15.20, 19.20

Customers who had made reservations to travel on Dublin-Belfast services on Wednesday have been contacted to arrange refunds.  Customers with any queries can contact 1850 366222.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused.

The awards, involving eight major railway companies from across the UK and Ireland, are aimed at raising standards in stations in all participating companies, through sharing best practice in customer focus and station facilities.  The awards were presented in the Cobh Heritage Centre, Co Cork yesterday evening.

The eight participating companies were:

-      Mersey Rail                                  - First Great Western

-      First Transpennine Express           - Arriva Trains Wales

-      Metro Tyne Wear                          - Iarnród Éireann

-      Translink NI Railways                   - London Overground

In addition to Overall Best Station, Heuston also picked up the Best Major Station Award.  Connolly Station in Dublin also collected the Best Large Station prize, ahead of Belfast’s Central Station.

The full roll of honour was:

Best Metro Station

Highly Commended: Hampstead Heath, London Overground

Winner: Liverpool South Parkway, MerseyRail

Best Small Station

Highly Commended: Hoylake, MerseyRail

Winner: Barnstaple, First Great Western

Best Medium Station

Highly Commended: Stalybridge, Transpennine Express

Winner: Bridgend, Arriva Train Wales

Best Large Station

Highly Commended: Belfast Central, Translink  NI Railways.

Winner: Connolly Station, Iarnród Éireann.

Best Major Station

Winner: Heuston Station, Iarnród Éireann

Best Innovation Award

Liverpool South Parkway, MerseyRail

Best Customer Service – Going the Extra Mile

Bridgend, Arriva Trains Wales

Overall Best Station Award 2011

Winner: Heuston Station, Iarnród Éireann

This first phase sees changes including:
- a new design to make the website easier to use and navigate, and easier for you to find information
- a new system making it easier for us to update changing information quickly
- a new journey planner with multiple benefits such as:
   o visible pricing per service with your timetable search
   o better journey information
   o timetable customisation – build your own timetables to print or download (coming Dec/Jan)
   o latest accessibility standards for the visually impaired (currently being tested for accessibility issues)
   o improved real-time service information
   o mobile device friendly (coming early 2012)
- improved station information with links to Google Streetview and live train information
- improved special offers and rail rewards features

With any website change, it’s only through heavy usage that it can be fully tested, so if you encounter any difficulties with the new design (and we sincerely hope you don’t!) or have any feedback, please let us know by e-mailing us at newirishrail@irishrail.ie

We’re also working on further changes to the website which will be delivered later. The main change is to carry out a back-end redesign of our web booking system

Our current web booking system, while it has grown in use significantly, does have problems which must be addressed, which regular customers will be familiar with. Our redesign will:
- Ensure it can cope better at times of high demand
- Allow you to manage your booking online, including cancellations and amendments
- Have better customer service tools to give you information or process refunds automatically

These changes will be delivered to you in 2012/2013.

You will also see other smaller changes along the way.  We hope that you find all of these improvements of benefit, and be sure to let us know what you think!

State Coaches No. 351 and No. 5408 are elegant coaches which transported Heads of State and foreign dignitaries over the past century, No.351 from 1906 up to the early 1970s, and No. 5408 from the 1970s to the 2000s.

Those who have travelled on the coaches include: King Edward VII, President Mary McAleese, President Eamon DeValera, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, President Dwight D Eisenhower of USA and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

As No 5408 is now joining No 351 in “retirement”, and is being presented to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI), President McAleese will be the last Irish President to have travelled in a State Coach.

Iarnród Éireann and the RPSI have created a special exhibition of photographs and mementos of the State Coaches and members of the RPSI will be on hand to provide guided tours of the Coaches throughout the October Bank Holiday weekend.

See the fine features and magnificent craftsmanship onboard, including Connemara marble and Waterford Crystal, and discover a rich slice of Irish railway heritage.

Admission to the exhibition will cost €2 for adults and children are free. A commemorative brochure will also be available. All proceeds will go to the RPSI.

The Exhibition will open to the public on:

Friday 28th October, 16.00hrs-19.00hrs

Saturday 29th Sunday 30th and Monday 31st October, 10.00hrs-17.00hrs

Free wi-fi is now installed all 67 carriages on the CAF Intercity fleet on the Dublin-Cork route, with further expansion to Intercity railcars, DART and Commuter to follow.

Dublin-Cork

This will mean that free Wi-Fi is available for Dublin-Cork customers on the following trains:

Mondays to Thursdays: All trains in both directions except 08.00 and 09.00 Heuston to Cork, and 11.30 and 12.30 Cork to Heuston (which are operated by Intercity railcars, see below for Wi-Fi plans)

Fridays to Sundays: All trains in both directions

The contract to equip the Dublin-Cork fleet and provide customer with broadband wi-fi was awarded to Irish company FleetConnect, based in Dublin.

Connection to the system is easy, with on-screen assistance for customers on board. Simply turn on your laptop, connect to 'IRISHRAIL- WIFI' and open your internet brower.

If you encounter any problems, just call the WiFi Support team on 01-8809600 (Monday-Friday 06.00 - 23.00) or email support@fleetconnect.ie .

Other routes

In addition, we’re planning further expansion of Wi-Fi to other services.

By the end of 2012, we aim to have Wi-Fi available on the following fleets:

- Intercity railcars (operates Dublin to Sligo, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Waterford & Rosslare; plus Cork-Tralee

- DART & Commuter

- Dublin/Belfast Enterprise

The introduction of Wi-Fi on Intercity railcars, DART and Commuter is being supported by the National Transport Authority. Iarnród Éireann and Translink are working jointly to introduce Wi-Fi on Dublin/Belfast Enterprise services.

With the proliferation of internet-ready Smartphones and tablet PCs, today’s rail passengers will be able to stay connected with friends, family and work colleagues, and they can be productive, informed and entertained during their journey.

But, come October, it’s a problem that this and every other railway has to face, and as the railway’s least favourite ‘season’ is underway, we thought it would be helpful for customers to explain how exactly ‘a few leaves’ can cause hundreds of tonnes of train to be delayed.

When leaves fall on to the line, particularly in damp or wet weather, the rolling action of passing wheels compresses them, causing a greasy ‘mulch’ to cover the rail.

This mulch is to rails what ice is to roads. It reduces the adhesion, or ‘co-efficient of friction’ to use the technical term, between wheel and rail. Acceleration must be reduced to prevent slipping, and braking distances extended. If you’re a regular customer, you can probably sense the wheel “slipping” on a train if you’re travelling through an area that’s affected. This is why minor delays are more prevalent at this time of year, particularly in the early morning and early evening.

The leaf mulch can also affect the operation of track circuits. Iarnród Éireann has machinery to address this problem, which operates overnight on key sections of the network, spreading “Sandite” on the line. However, this can only reduce the impact of leaf mulch rather than eliminate it. The mulch is Teflon-like, and even hand-scrubbing could not remove it. We’re not alone in this, as this article shows: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_rail

The number of weeks this can continue for varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. However, we will continue to work throughout the period affected to minimise delays on services, and apologise for the inconvenience caused.

08.53hrs Connolly to Greystones service is cancelled.

9.00hrs Bray to Howth service is deferred to 9.20hrs.

Iarnród Éireann apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann advises passengers that the following special service arrangements will be in place for the Ireland V Armenia Soccer International on Tuesday 11th October, at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

Intercity Services

22.05hrs Heuston to Cork - Please note: Passengers for Limerick can connect with a 23.48hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick special service.

22.30hrs Heuston to Galway. This train will also serve Portarlington, Tullamore, Athlone, Ballinasloe and Athenry Station.

Commuter Services

21.10hrs Dublin Pearse to Maynooth is deferred to 21.15hrs

21.42hrs Clonsilla to M3 Parkway is deferred to 21.47hrs

Extra capacity will be provided due to expected heaving loadings before and after the match, however some delays may occur from 17.00hrs.

Please note: Grand Canal Dock station will be closed from 20.00hrs to 21.45hrs.  The carriage of bicycles will not be permitted from 15.00hrs.

Customers are advised to travel early and buy return tickets to avoid queues.  Tickets can be purchased in advance from any Iarnród Éireann booking office.

Schedule Revisions to Connolly, Intercity and Commuter services and DART services will come into operation from Sunday 25^th September 2011. These schedule revisions can be viewed at here  or through our journey planner. The revisions have been made following a period of consultation with customers. The draft revisions were posted on our website and customers were invited to email in their comments and suggestions, many of which were taken onboard.

Customers are advised to check www.irishrail.ie or contact your local station before travelling on or before 25^th September 2011 as departure and arrival times may have changed.

These schedule revisions have been sanctioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The company undertook the consultation over the past fortnight via customer comment cards at the station and the company’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.  The decision to review the name followed feedback from customers about the existing name.  While it was named Phoenix Park as it was built to facilitate the development on the old Phoenix Park racecourse site, feedback had been received that the name caused confusion for those visiting the public amenity that is Phoenix Park, which  is some distance away.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said “we received a wide range of responses from customers to the proposal.  There was an almost universal view that the Phoenix Park name was unsuitable, and most suggestions for a new name were a variation on Navan Road.  Navan Road Parkway reflects the fact that there is a 100-space car park at the station, which will allow commuters from a wider catchment area to drive to the station and escape road congestion at that point.”

The company will implement the name change over the coming weeks, in station signage, route maps, automated announcements and timetables.

The station opened in January 2008 on the Maynooth-Dublin commuter line, between Castleknock and Ashtown Stations.  It is served by 40 trains in each direction to and from the city.

06.45 Killarney to Mallow. Customers can then transfer to 07.40 service from Mallow to Heuston.

07.15 Tralee to Mallow is extended to Dublin Heuston

07.00 Tralee to Dublin Heuston.

18.50 Dublin Heuston to Tralee.

Please note the 18.00 Dublin Heuston to Cork is deferred to 18.15.

Further Intercity service details to follow.


Commuter Services

11.55 Drogheda to Dublin Connolly

19.20 Dublin Connolly to Drogheda

11.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

12.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

12.50 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

14.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

17.18 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

17.30 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

11.05, 12.05, 13.05, 14.05 and 15.05 will additionally call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly Station.

17.10 and 18.10 Connolly to M3 Parkway will additionally call at Drumcondra, Broombridge, Ashtown, Phoenix Park, Castleknock, Coolmine and M3 Parkway.

Due to expected heavy loadings before and after the match, DART, Belfast Enterprise, Sligo and Rosslare Intercity, Maynooth and Northern Commuter services may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes from 11.00 to 19.00 hrs.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Due to Track Works between Limerick Junction and Charleville on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 20-30 minute delay may occur.

Saturday 10th September

19.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Thurles only with Bus Transfers from Thurles to Charleville, Mallow and Cork.  Limerick and Limerick Junction customers should transfer at Thurles onto a second train from Thurles (Dep. 20.40) to Limerick (via Limerick Junction).

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Thurles only with Bus Transfers from Thurles to Mallow and Cork.  Limerick and Limerick Junction customers should transfer at Thurles onto a second train from Thurles (Dep. 22.40) to Limerick (via Limerick Junction).

20.30 Cork to Heuston will be Bus Transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and by train from Thurles to Heuston. Buses will depart Cork at 20.30.  Train will depart Thurles at 22.10.

20.10 Limerick to Limerick Junction is advanced to 19.20 and extended to Thurles serving Limerick Junction.

20.57 Limerick Junction to Limerick will operate from Thurles serving Limerick Junction.  Train will depart Thurles at 20.40.

20.55 Limerick to Limerick Junction is deferred to 21.00 and extended to Thurles (via Limerick Junction).

22.53 Limerick Junction to Limerick will operate from Thurles serving Limerick Junction.  Train will depart Thurles at 22.40.

Sunday 11th September

08.30 Cork to Dublin will be bus Transfers from Cork, Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and by train from Thurles to Heuston.  Buses will depart Cork at 08.30. Train will depart Limerick Junction at 09.40 and Thurles at 10.10.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Due to Track Works between Drogheda and Dundalk on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 20-30 minute delay may occur.

Saturday 10th September

20.05 Belfast to Dublin Connolly will operate to Dundalk only.  Bus transfers will operate from Dundalk to Drogheda.  A second train will operate from Drogheda to Dublin Connolly.

20.50 Dublin Connolly to Belfast will operate to Drogheda only.  Bus transfers will operate from Drogheda to Dundalk.  A second train will operate from Dundalk to Belfast.

23.20 Dublin Connolly to Dundalk will operate to Drogheda only.  Bus transfers will operate from Drogheda to Dundalk.

22.05 Drogheda to Dublin Connolly is deferred to 22.12.

Sunday 11th September

09.20 Dundalk to Pearse Station will be bus transfers from Dundalk to Drogheda and by train from Drogheda to Pearse.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.



Due to track works between Lisburn and Belfast on Sunday 11th September the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 15-20 minute delay may occur.

Sunday 11th September

Connolly to Belfast Central

10.00, 13.00, 16.00, 18.00 and 19.00 Connolly to Belfast Central will be a train from Connolly to Lisburn only.  Customers for Belfast should change at Newry for bus transfers to Belfast.

Belfast Central to Connolly

10.00, 13.00,15.00,16.00 and 19.00 Belfast Central to Connolly will be bus transfers from Belfast to Newry connecting with the Lisburn-Newry-Dublin Trains.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Meet the Managers at Galway and Heuston Stations


<sup>Meet the Managers, Galway Station.
The next of these meetings will take place at Galway Station on Tuesday 13th September 2011. Members of the management team will be available to meet customers on the afternoon of Tuesday 13th September between 07.00am and 09.00am at Galway Station Concourse.

Meet the Managers, Heuston Station.
The next meeting will take place at Heuston Station on Wednesday 14th September from 16.30 to 18.00.  Members of the management team will be available to meet customers at Heuston Station Concourse.</sup>Over the coming months the Iarnród Éireann management team will be continuing its programme of face to face meetings with customers.

Customers are invited to come along and discuss issues of interest or concern to them.

10.05 Ballybrophy to Limerick will be bus transfers from Ballybrophy to Roscrea, Cloughjordan, Nenagh, Birdhill, Castleconnell and Limerick.

Each week, we'll update you with the latest information on events, festivals, sporting fixtures and more

Be it Intercity, DART or Commuter, make sure to take the train, and check our homepage for our range of discount offers for rail travel.

What's on this week - Updated 17th October.

Why not take the train to Belfast for the Festival, to Wexford for a night at Opera, to Galway for the Races or Waterford for Arts or take the family on DART southside for the Puppet Festival.

The Ulster Bank Festival at Queen's, Belfast, 14th to 30th October
The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival is the largest Arts festival in Ireland, hosting a range of events covering eight different genres, drama, dance, family, classical music, world music, talks, visual arts and films.  Events are programmed to take place across the city in almost forty different venues and will showcase talents such as Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Elvis Costello, James Vincent McMorrow and much more.

Enterprise services operate to and from Connolly Station to Belfast. Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

International Puppet Festival, Wicklow & Dublin 21st to 30th October
The International Puppet Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a wide and exciting range of performances from across the world, joined by some of the best Irish puppeteers to provide some evocative and memorable entertainment for Irish audiences. Shows take place in venues in Monkstown, Dun Laoghaire, Bray and in Dublin City Centre.

Check our timetable to view DART and Commuter service arrangements.

The Wexford Opera Festival, 21st October to 5th November.
The Wexford Opera Festival has been running since 1951, playing a central role in the cultural life of Ireland, in the world of Opera and Arts internationally. From small and humble beginnings it has achieved world-wide success and critical acclaim by demonstrating passion, innovation and a willingness to lead audiences and artists into neglected territories to explore the rich vein of operatic work worldwide.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

Waterford Imagine Arts Festival 21st to 30th October
The Imagine Arts festival includes theatre, music, literature, comedy, visual arts, dance and film. Imagine also has children's events and aims to be both innovative and fun.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements to and from Waterford

Galway Races - Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October.
The October Race Meeing at Galway Races has alway proven to be a favourite by all and it is a fantastic weekend of great racing and great craic!  Children under 14 have free admission during the weekend.

Rail services operate to and from Galway and race goers can also avail of a Racegoers will be able to avail of a shuttle bus service from Galway City Centre to Galway Racecourse.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements to and from Galway.

Coming Up:

Guinness Jazz Festival, Cork, 28th to 31st October
Guinness Jazz Festival is Ireland's biggest jazz event and attracts musicians and music fans alike to the city each year. The event, which has been held annually since 1978 and promises to be one of the biggest ever.

Hourly rail operate to and from Dublin to Cork.  Please note: some service alterations will be in place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

ToyShow Experience, Convention Centre, Dublin, 4th to 6th November
The ToyShow Experience is a brand new event for children of all ages, (and of course their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, minders or anyone wishing to bring out their inner child!)

The Convention Centre is situated in the heart of Dublin's Docklands and is a 10 minute walk or Red Line Luas from DART and Commuter services in Connolly.  Intercity travellers can also connect with the Luas on arrival at Heuston.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

Keep watching for the latest events, and always check www.irishrail.ie for our latest offers and promotions.

If you have an event you would like highlighted here, email us at twitter@irishrail.ie

Subscribe to our eNewsletter

 A draft copy of our new proposed timetable for services operating through Connolly Station and Dublin City Centre is available here and we would like to hear your thoughts – whether the proposed schedule is something you welcome or would not support, or whether there are changes not included you would like to see.

 Iarnród Éireann will endeavour to implement customers' suggestions where possible. Suggested alterations which cannot be implemented at this timetable change will be retained in a database for consideration at future timetable reviews.

All feedback received will be acknowledged by an automated e-mail reply. The implementation date for this proposed new timetable will be announced at a later date on www.irishrail.ie

The draft schedule contains timetables for services operating through Connolly Station and Dublin City Centre, i.e.

• Dublin-Rosslare
• Dublin-Sligo
• Dublin-Belfast
• Maynooth/Longford/M3 Parkway Commuter
• Drogheda/Dundalk Commuter
• DART

IMPORTANT NOTE (10th June 2011)

 The original draft version did not list Clongriffin as a stop on the 18:15 Pearse to Drogheda service. This stop was ommitted erroneously and this error has now been corrected. For clarification, our proposals do include Clongriffin as a stop on this service, now listed in the draft schedules. We apologise for any concern arising from this.

Services operating to & from Heuston Station and Southern & Western regional services were available for customer comment from 07/01/2011 to 04/02/2011 and we thank you for all the suggestions and comments you submitted during that consultation period.

This timetable commenced on Sunday 8th May 2011 and incorporates a range of customer comments received during that period.

Draft Connolly & Dublin City Centre routes are available here.

While we encourage all customers to check their relevant schedules in full, as minor changes may impact on your own journey, the most significant changes in these draft schedules are detailed below:

Maynooth / M3 Parkway / Longford Commuter:

 · Monday to Friday off–peak M3 Parkway services will now operate hourly to/from Dublin Connolly Station serving all stations in both directions.

 · Weekend M3 Parkway services will now operate hourly to/from Dublin Pearse Station serving all stations in both directions.

 · Some existing non-stop weekday M3 Parkway services will now call at all stations to/from Docklands.

 · Maynooth service will now be hourly at off–peak on weekdays and all day on weekends.

 · New early morning Sunday services at 08.40 hrs Dublin Pearse / Maynooth and 09.40 hrs return.

Sligo InterCity:

 · No changes

Northern Commuter (Drogheda / Dundalk):

 · Changes to stopping patterns on a number of morning services into Dublin in an attempt to improve journey times.

 · Also changes in departure times on a number of services in both directions, please check draft timetable for full details.

 · 05.40 hrs Dundalk / Dublin Connolly service is extended to Dublin Pearse and will now depart Dundalk at 05.45 hrs but with existing arrival time in Dublin Connolly resulting in a faster journey time of 5 minutes to Dublin Connolly.

 · 07.00 hrs Dundalk / Dublin Connolly will now have an arrival in Dublin Connolly of 08.18 hrs, a 10 minute faster journey time.

 · Updated 11.35 Drogheda-Pearse will be cancelled.

 · Many services will now operate non-stop between Malahide and Dublin Connolly and vice versa to improve journey times.

 · Existing Monday to Friday 20.30 hrs Dublin Connolly / Drogheda service will now operate at 20.44 hrs Dublin Pearse / Drogheda and serve Howth Junction and all stations from Portmarnock to Drogheda.

 · New early morning Sunday service at 08.05 hrs Drogheda / Dublin Pearse.

 Belfast Enterprise:

· No changes

Rosslare InterCity / South East Commuter Services:

· 05.35 hrs Rosslare Europort / Enniscorthy and 06.23 hrs Enniscorthy / Dundalk services will be combined to form a 05.35 hrs Rosslare Europort / Dundalk service on Mondays to Saturdays.

· 06.25 Enniscorthy / Rosslare Europort is cancelled.

· 07.50 hrs Rosslare Europort / Dublin Connolly will be advanced to 07.20 hrs and operate 30 minutes earlier throughout. Providing a better connection off the morning ferry arrivals into Rosslare Europort and also an earlier arrival time in Dublin.

· 07.32 hrs Dublin Connolly / Rosslare Europort will now depart at 09.40 hrs from Connolly.

· 12.05 hrs Dublin Connolly / Arklow and 14.35 Arklow / Dublin Pearse are cancelled.

· 13.30 hrs Dublin Connolly / Rosslare Europort is deferred to 13.36 hrs with existing times from Dun Laoghaire to give a faster journey time.

· 16.30 hrs Dublin Connolly / Wexford is deferred to 16.37 hrs with existing times from Dun Laoghaire and now extended through to Rosslare Europort. Providing faster journey time to the South East and also a new service to Rosslare Europort with connections into the evening ferry sailings to Wales and France.

· 18.30 hrs Dublin Connolly / Rosslare Europort is deferred to 18.38 hrs with existing times from Dun Laoghaire to give a faster journey time.

· 19.30 hrs Wexford / Dublin Connolly service is cancelled.

DART:

· Changes to a number of services to & from Howth and Malahide throughout the day on Mondays to Saturdays, please check draft timetable for full details. This is intended to balance services to provide a more balanced DART service to and from Howth and Malahide at a half-hourly service frequency to Clongriffin, Portmarnock and Malahide.

· Changes in departure times on a number of services, please check draft timetable for full details.

Saturdays - Southbound

23.21 Bray/Greystones is cancelled
22.30 Malahide/Greystones will operate to Bray only
23.05 Malahide/Greystones will operate to Bray only

A limited shuttle bus service will operate.

Saturdays - Northbound

23.10 Greystones/Connolly is advanced  to 23.00

Sundays - Northbound

09.20 Greystones/Malahide will commence from Bray at 09.30

A limited shuttle bus service will operate.

09.50 Greystones/Howth is deferred to 09.55

Iarnród Éireann apologise for any inconvenience caused

All above schedule alterations are included in our journey planner 

For printed timetables and permanent Timetable alterations please click here

**Galway
After the concert on the 18th June only a train will depart Dublin Heuston at 00:50hrs the morning of the 19th for Galway serving serving Portarlington, Tullamaore, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Athenry and Galway.

Customers are advised to book early as there is limited availability on the return services.


Please note when booking to put in the next day date for your return date.  For example if you are going to the 

• Take That concert on the 18th June select the 19th June for your return date.  
• Take That concert on the 19th June select the 20th June for your return date.

Book Now

Prices shown exclude transaction and credit card fees. 

Commuter services - Saturday 18th June

The following special commuter trains will operate:

22.50 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

23.00 Dublin Connolly to M3 Parkway.

The following services will call at additional stops as follows:

16.05, 17.05, 18.05, 19.05 and 20.05 M3 Parkway to Connolly will call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly.

Commuter services - Sunday 19th June

The following special commuter trains will operate:

16.50 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

18.25 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

22.50 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

23.00 Dublin Connolly to M3 Parkway

The following services will call at additional stops as follows:

16.05, 17.05, 18.05 and 19.05  M3 Parkway to Connolly will call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly.

Due to expected heavy loadings before and after both concerts, DART, Belfast Enterprise, Sligo and Rosslare Intercity, Maynooth and Northern Commuter services may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes from 17.00 hrs. to 24.00 hrs.

There's a fantastic range of events taking place, so why not take the train to enjoy these great family days out!

Special offers include:

• Day returns from a range of stations around Leinster are available from €15 at weekends. 

• Hop on a DART or Commuter train to visit the Dublin event: regular return tickets, or a family unlimited day travel for just €14.70

For more information, visit the Street Performance World Championships website or follow them on twitter!

Details of the approval are available by clicking here.

Be it Intercity, DART or Commuter, make sure to take the train, and check www.irishrail.ie for our range of discount offers for rail travel.

Keep watching for the latest events, and always check www.irishrail.ie for our latest offers and promotions

Friday 28th October, 2011 Dublin to Cork Services

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

Saturday 29th October, 2011  

Dublin to Cork/ Tralee Services

07.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

08.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

09.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

10.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

11.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

12.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

14.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

15.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

16.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.05 Heuston to Tralee is CANCELLED.

18.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

19.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

21.00 Heuston to Cork will be substituted by bus transfers.

Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

05.05 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

06.15 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

07.20 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

07.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

09.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

10.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

11.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

12.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

13.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

15.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

16.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

18.30 Cork to Heuston will be substituted by bus transfers.

20.30 Cork to Heuston will be substituted by bus transfers.

Mallow - Tralee

11.30 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 12.00 hrs.

13.30 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 14.00 hrs.

15.35 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 16.05 hrs.

17.25 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 18.00 hrs.

Sunday 30th October, 2011  

Dublin to Cork/ Tralee Services

08.25 Heuston to Tralee will be bus transfers from Heuston to Mallow and by train (Dept. 11.25 hrs) from Mallow to Tralee.

10.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

12.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.45 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and second train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

15.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

16.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

18.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

19.00 Heuston to Cork is CANCELLED.

19.05 Heuston to Tralee will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.  Passengers for Tralee will be transferred by road from Thurles to Mallow and join a second train at Mallow (Dept. 21.50 hrs).

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

08.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

10.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

12.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

13.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

15.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

16.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.50 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow to Thurles and second train from Thurles to Dublin.

18.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

19.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

Mallow - Tralee

17.25 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 18.05 hrs.

17.15 Tralee to Cork is CANCELLED.

Monday 31st October, 2011 Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

05.05 Cork to Heuston is CANCELLED.

06.15 Cork to Heuston is CANCELLED.

07.20 Tralee to Heuston is deferred to 08.00 hrs and will operate to Mallow only and connect with 09.30 Cork to Heuston.

07.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

Customers who have already booked travel on services affected by the bridge renewal works should note the following:

Your ticket is valid for the relevant revised service.  We will give you a full refund on the affected journey if you wish to cancel.

To cancel your reservation please email info@irishrail.ie or call 1850 366 222 (01 836 6222) between 09.00-18.00 Monday to Friday. 

If you wish to travel on an alternative service please note your ticket will be valid on all alternative services for that day.

Please check our Journey planner for full schedule information.  Please note train services WILL OPERATE between Mallow and Cork during these times.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.