Commuter (Iarnród Éireann)
Encyclopedia
Commuter is the brand name given to the suburban rail services operated by Iarnród Éireann
in the Republic of Ireland
. These operate in and around the suburban rail networks of Dublin, Cork
, Limerick
and Galway
, in contrast to the majority of services which are classed as InterCity. In recent years, Iarnród Éireann has put a significant amount of effort into upgrading its network, with new tracks, signalling, station upgrades and trains. The majority of Commuter services are operated by diesel multiple unit
train sets. An exception to this is the DART
service - this shares the line with several other services. It is the only electrified heavy rail service in Ireland.
line. This brand was applied to stations on the line, as well as the 2600 Class
railcars. It was also applied to the 2700 Class
and 2800 Class
railcars upon their introduction (however in the case of the latter, it was removed shortly after their introduction into service and replaced with the National Development Plan
logo). Thus the Arrow brand became the first major branding for suburban railway services in Dublin (officially, its use remained limited to the Kildare line, but Arrow branded or liveried trains were used on most suburban services).
(now 29000) railcars and has since been extended to the entire suburban railcar fleet. It is also used in some signage and advertising, giving the diesel commuter networks a consistent look for the first time. The Dublin railway system is now called "DART/Commuter" in line with the new brand, with the former Arrow brand now having been completely phased out.
:
Main article Dublin Suburban Rail
There are 4 commuter lines serving Dublin along with DART
.
Other services operate between Mallow and Tralee, and Manulla Junction
and Ballina
. In addition, some InterCity services operate using Commuter branded DMUs - these include the Dublin-Sligo, Dublin-Rosslare Europort
and Limerick
-Rosslare Europort services.
Munster
:
Main Article Cork Suburban Rail
There are three suburban rail lines servicing the Greater Cork area, which comprise the Cork suburban
network.
Main article Limerick Suburban Rail
The Limerick commuter rail network consists of three suburban rail lines which comprise the Limerick suburban
network. Stations in italics are not yet open.
Connacht
:
Main article Galway Suburban Rail
At present in Galway there is no commuter train service. Starting from late August 2009 there will be a commuter service from Athenry
- Galway Ceannt
calling at Oranmore. Although it is possible to travel from Athenry to Galway at present via the InterCity service to/from Dublin there are no exclusive commuter trains and InterCity services will not stop at the same stations as commuter trains will.
All of the DMU types can operate either independently, or can be attached to another set of their own class or of another class to form trains of up to ten cars.
In addition to the DMUs, locomotive hauled coaches supplement services. The introduction of the new 22000 Class
units on InterCity services will allow the 2800 Class and 29000 Class units currently used to be cascaded to Commuter services, which will then allow the locomotive hauled stock to be phased out.
Eventually, when all 234 22000 Class
railcars are delivered, they will operate all intercity services, excluding the Dublin-Cork route and the Dublin-Belfast route.
initiative.
Feasibility studies have also been made into the possibility of creating airport links to several airports; a link to Knock Airport is a long term aim of the Western Rail Corridor project while a feasibility study into a link to Shannon Airport
from Limerick
was commissioned by Iarnród Éireann in 2006.
station to serve as a new terminal station. It was planned to use this as the terminus for the planned line to Navan and, with certain realignment of the lines to the west of Dublin, as an alternate terminus for other services from Maynooth and the reopened Athlone-Mullingar line, relieving the congestion into Connolly and Heuston stations. Under IÉ's plans, Broadstone was to be reopened by 2010. However, the Railway Procurement Agency
also intended to use the lands at Broadstone for part of its Luas
project. On 5 February 2008 Noel Dempsey
, the Minister for Transport
, indicated his preference for the Luas project over the re-opening of Broadstone for heavy rail. To compensate for the loss of this potential terminus, which Iarnród Éireann maintained was needed to reduce the congestion on Connolly and Heuston, the Government has stated it will allow a new application for planning permission to keep Docklands
open permanently.
DMU sets, totalling €79 million, to be added to its initial order of 150 cars. These additional trains will be used on the outer Dublin suburban network to destinations including Portlaoise, Carlow and Athlone. A further order for an additional 51 cars, formed into 17 three-car units and totalling €140 million, was made in March 2009, for use to other suburban destinations, including Dundalk, Kildare, Longford and Navan.
In July 2007, IÉ announced that it was in the process of placing orders for a further 400 carriages. The bulk of these (up to 250 cars) are intended as EMUs for the expansion of the DART services following completion of the Interconnector
. The remainder, totalling up to 150 cars, will be DMU sets for the expansion of Commuter services in Cork and Limerick, as well as the planned long-distance Commuter sets for services in Leinster.
Iarnród Éireann
Iarnród Éireann is the national railway system operator of Ireland. Established on 2 February 1987, it is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann . It operates all internal intercity, commuter and freight railway services in the Republic of Ireland, and, jointly with Northern Ireland Railways, the...
in the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. These operate in and around the suburban rail networks of Dublin, Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
, Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
and Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
, in contrast to the majority of services which are classed as InterCity. In recent years, Iarnród Éireann has put a significant amount of effort into upgrading its network, with new tracks, signalling, station upgrades and trains. The majority of Commuter services are operated by diesel multiple unit
Diesel multiple unit
A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:...
train sets. An exception to this is the DART
Dublin Area Rapid Transit
The Dublin Area Rapid Transit is part of the suburban railway network in Ireland, running mainly along the coastline of Dublin Bay on the Trans-Dublin route, from Greystones in County Wicklow, through Dublin to Howth and Malahide in County Dublin.Trains are powered via a 1500V DC overhead catenary...
service - this shares the line with several other services. It is the only electrified heavy rail service in Ireland.
Arrow
The brand was introduced in 1994 as 'Arrow', the first specific branding for diesel suburban services, with the launch of the Arrow brand on the newly opened KildareKildare
-External links:*******...
line. This brand was applied to stations on the line, as well as the 2600 Class
IE 2600 Class
The 2600 Class is a type of Diesel Multiple Unit operated on the Irish railway network by Iarnród Éireann, used mainly for short-haul Commuter services. At present the entire class is based in Cork, and is used on local services to Mallow, Midleton, Cobh and on token services to Tralee...
railcars. It was also applied to the 2700 Class
IE 2700 Class
The 2700 and 2750 Classes are two related types of diesel multiple unit operated by Iarnród Éireann. The 2700 Class units are 2-car sets; 25 cars were built by GEC Alsthom in 1997 and 1998, and began entering service in December 1998...
and 2800 Class
IE 2800 Class
The 2800 Class is a type of Diesel Multiple Unit operated on the Irish railway network by Iarnród Éireann, used mainly for short-haul Commuter services.-Description:...
railcars upon their introduction (however in the case of the latter, it was removed shortly after their introduction into service and replaced with the National Development Plan
National Development Plan
National Development Plan is the title given by the Irish Government to a scheme of organised large-scale expenditure on national infrastructure. The period covered by the seven year plan runs from 2000 to 2006. A second National Development Plan is currently in progress and is due to run until...
logo). Thus the Arrow brand became the first major branding for suburban railway services in Dublin (officially, its use remained limited to the Kildare line, but Arrow branded or liveried trains were used on most suburban services).
Commuter
In 2003, the Arrow brand was renamed 'Commuter', upon the introduction of the 2900 ClassIE 2900 Class
The 29000 Class is a type of four-car Diesel Multiple Unit operated by Iarnród Éireann. The units were built in Spain by CAF in two batches between 2002 and 2005.-Description:...
(now 29000) railcars and has since been extended to the entire suburban railcar fleet. It is also used in some signage and advertising, giving the diesel commuter networks a consistent look for the first time. The Dublin railway system is now called "DART/Commuter" in line with the new brand, with the former Arrow brand now having been completely phased out.
IrishRail.ie
In 2010 the 2600 class and 2700 class began to be re livered from Commuter to a grey and green color scheme with no reference to the Commuter brand. Instead a irishrail.ie logo is displayed on the side of the trains.Services
LeinsterLeinster
Leinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the east of Ireland. It comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Mide, Osraige and Leinster. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic fifths of Leinster and Mide gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled...
:
Main article Dublin Suburban Rail
Dublin Suburban Rail
The Dublin Suburban Rail network, , is a railway network that serves the city of Dublin, Ireland, most of the Greater Dublin Area and outlying towns...
There are 4 commuter lines serving Dublin along with DART
Dublin Area Rapid Transit
The Dublin Area Rapid Transit is part of the suburban railway network in Ireland, running mainly along the coastline of Dublin Bay on the Trans-Dublin route, from Greystones in County Wicklow, through Dublin to Howth and Malahide in County Dublin.Trains are powered via a 1500V DC overhead catenary...
.
- Northern - this route operates from Dublin to DundalkDundalkDundalk is the county town of County Louth in Ireland. It is situated where the Castletown River flows into Dundalk Bay. The town is close to the border with Northern Ireland and equi-distant from Dublin and Belfast. The town's name, which was historically written as Dundalgan, has associations...
, with its central terminus at Dublin PearseDublin Pearse railway stationDublin Pearse, also known as Pearse Station , located on Westland Row in the Southside in Dublin, Ireland, is Ireland's busiest railway station and an important commuter terminus for the Dublin area.-Services:...
. The route is shared as far as MalahideMalahideMalahide is a coastal suburban town, near Dublin city, located in the administrative county of Fingal, within the traditional County Dublin, Ireland. It has a village-like centre and extensive residential areas to the south, west and northwest.-Name:...
with the DART service. The route lies on the Dublin-Belfast railway lineDublin-Belfast railway lineThe Dublin-Belfast main line is a major railway route in Ireland that connects Dublin Connolly station in the Republic of Ireland and Belfast Central station in Northern Ireland.-History:The railway line was built by three separate companies...
. - South Eastern - this route operates from Dublin to ArklowArklowArklow , also known as Inbhear Dé from the Avonmore river's older name Abhainn Dé, is a historic town located in County Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland. Founded by the Vikings in the ninth century, Arklow was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the 1798 rebellion...
, with its terminus at Dublin ConnollyDublin Connolly railway stationDublin Connolly, commonly called Connolly station , is one of the main railway stations in Dublin, Ireland, and is a focal point in the Irish route network. Opened in 1844 as Amiens Street Station, the ornate facade has a distinctive Italianate tower at its centre...
, and is shared with the DART as far as GreystonesGreystonesGreystones is a coastal town and small seaside resort in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is located on Ireland’s east coast, south of Bray and south of Dublin , with a population in the region of 15,000....
. This route is shared with trains to RosslareRosslareThe name Rosslare may refer to:*Rosslare Strand, a village in County Wexford, Ireland* Rosslare Harbour, a village in County Wexford, Ireland*The Rosslare Europort at Rosslare Harbour...
. - Western - this route has two branches in the city centre; one starts at the new Docklands railway stationDocklands railway stationDocklands Station is a new railway station serving the Dublin Docklands area in Ireland owned by Córas Iompair Éireann planned as part of the Government Transport 21 initiative....
, while the other starts from Dublin Pearse. The two converge at BroombridgeBroombridge railway stationBroombridge is a railway station serving Cabra, Dublin 7, Ireland. Unlike most stations in Ireland, it is a halt. It lies on the southern bank of the Royal Canal at the western end of what had been Liffey Junction station on the erstwhile Midland Great Western Railway...
, with the line going as far as LongfordLongfordLongford is the county town of County Longford in Ireland. It has a population of 7,622 according to the 2006 census. Approximately one third of the county's population resides in the town. Longford town is also the biggest town in the county...
. A new service pattern has seen the introduction of services from Docklands to ClonsillaClonsillaClonsilla is a suburb of Dublin in the district of Fingal, Ireland.-Location and access:Originally a small village in its own right, Clonsilla is now a large residential suburban area, with Ongar and other localities developing their own subsidiary identities...
on this line. - South Western - this route operates from Dublin to KildareKildare-External links:*******...
, with its central terminus at Dublin HeustonDublin Heuston railway stationDublin Heuston , commonly called Heuston Station , is one of Ireland's main railway stations, serving the south, southwest and west. It is operated by Iarnród Éireann , the national railway operator...
.
Other services operate between Mallow and Tralee, and Manulla Junction
Manulla Junction
Manulla Junction railway station is a transfer point for passengers on train services in County Mayo, Ireland. Members of the public cannot actually enter or leave the station; it is used only for passengers travelling to or from Foxford or Ballina, who transfer to or from the Dublin-Westport...
and Ballina
Ballina, County Tipperary
Ballina is a village that lies on the River Shannon in County Tipperary, Ireland. It is a scenic area on the eastern shore of Lough Derg.It is a 'twin-town' of Killaloe, in County Clare, on the west bank of the lake...
. In addition, some InterCity services operate using Commuter branded DMUs - these include the Dublin-Sligo, Dublin-Rosslare Europort
Rosslare Europort
Rosslare Europort is a modern seaport located at Rosslare Harbour in County Wexford, Ireland, near the southeastern-most point of Ireland's coastline, handling passenger and freight ferries to and from Wales and France....
and Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
-Rosslare Europort services.
Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
:
Main Article Cork Suburban Rail
Cork Suburban Rail
The Cork Suburban Rail network serves the Metropolitan Cork area in County Cork, Munster, Ireland.There has been a suburban rail system in Cork since the middle of the 19th century however it suffered serious neglect and line closures in the 20th century...
There are three suburban rail lines servicing the Greater Cork area, which comprise the Cork suburban
Cork Suburban Rail
The Cork Suburban Rail network serves the Metropolitan Cork area in County Cork, Munster, Ireland.There has been a suburban rail system in Cork since the middle of the 19th century however it suffered serious neglect and line closures in the 20th century...
network.
- Cork Kent - MallowMallow railway stationMallow railway station is located in Annabella, just outside Mallow, in north County Cork. It is two miles from Cork racecourse.Mallow station is located just north of the junction between the lines from Cork and Tralee. It has three platforms, which are all through platforms. It is both a commuter...
line. New stations at KilbarryKilbarry railway stationKilbarry Station is a planned Irish railway station. When it is built, it will be in the northern suburbs of Cork City on the main Cork-Dublin line and is part of the extended Cork Suburban Rail network due to open in 2010...
, MonardMonard railway stationMonard railway station is a proposed railway station between Cork City and Blarney on the Cork Suburban Rail line in Metropolitan Cork, Ireland. The station does not yet exist and neither does the settlement of Monard which it is intended to serve. The station at Monard is not expected to open...
and BlarneyBlarney railway stationBlarney railway station is a proposed railway station in Blarney on the Cork Suburban Rail line in Metropolitan Cork, Ireland. The station does not yet exist. Although initially forecast to open in 2008, this has since been put back to 2015 since recssion....
are excpected to open in 2010. - Cork Kent - CobhCobh railway stationCobh railway station serves the town of Cobh on the Cork Suburban Rail line, where it is the end of the line. It is located in a red brick building adjacent to the town's Cobh Heritage Centre. It is famous for being the station where hundreds of survivors of the RMS Lusitania disaster left the town...
line calling at Little IslandLittle Island railway stationLittle Island railway station serves the area of Little Island in County Cork. The station has a men's toilet only and has a ticket office which is sporadically staffed by the signalman from the nearby signal cabin...
, GlounthauneGlounthaune railway stationGlounthaune railway station serves the town of Glounthaune in County Cork, Ireland. It is the junction between the Cobh and Midelton lines. The original target date for the opening of this line under the Irish governments Transport 21 plan was 2007. The line opened on 30 July 2009...
, Fota IslandFota railway stationFota halt serves Fota Island in County Cork. The halt is unstaffed. There are two platforms, with level access to the Cobh-bound platform. Access to the Cork-bound platform is via a footbridge, although there is a defunct level crossing which can theoretically be used to cross the tracks.It is...
, CarrigaloeCarrigaloe railway stationCarrigaloe railway station serves Carrigaloe in Cork. The station is unstaffed and only the Cork-bound platform is accessible by wheelchairs; a footbridge accesses the Cobh-bound platform....
and RushbrokeRushbrooke railway stationRushbrooke is a halt in the Rushbrooke area, on Great Island in Cork harbour on the Cork Suburban Railway Line. It is unstaffed. Access is via a ramp to the Cork-bound platform but via stairs only to the Cobh-bound platform....
. New stations at DunkettleDunkettle railway stationDunkettle railway station is a planned railway station on the Cobh Line in Metropolitan Cork, Ireland. The station is intended to serve the town of Glanmire in County Cork. A park and ride facility is also planned....
and BallynoeBallynoe railway stationBallynoe railway station is a planned railway station to be located on the outskirts of Cobh, County Cork in Ireland. Initially forecast to open in 2008 in line with the National Transport 21 development, in July 2010 the opening of the station was postponed indefinitely due to cuts in government...
are excpected to open in 2010. - Cork Kent - MideltonMidleton railway stationMidleton railway station is a railway station situated in Midleton, a town in south-eastern County Cork, in Ireland. It has been rebuilt and reopened as a terminus station of the Cork Suburban Railway Line. The line may be continued to Youghal in the future...
line calling at CarrigtwohillCarrigtwohill railway stationCarrigtwohill railway station serves the town of Carrigtwohill in County Cork. The station is unstaffed but has a ticket vending machine. Its two platforms are both fully accessible....
. It is hoped the line will eventually extend to YoughalYoughal railway stationYoughal railway station served the town of Youghal in County Cork, Ireland.The station opened on 21 May 1860. Regular services were withdrawn on 2 February 1963, although the station remained open privately, with occasional heritage excursion trains. Although a train has not travelled to Youghal...
with intermediate stops at Mogeely and KilleaghKilleaghKilleagh is a small village located in east County Cork, Ireland. It is approximately 32 kilometres from Cork city, 10 kilometres west of Youghal and 14 kilometres east of Midleton and is situated on the N25 National Primary route and the former rail line connecting Youghal and...
.
Main article Limerick Suburban Rail
Limerick Suburban Rail
Limerick Suburban Rail is are a group of Iarnród Éireann commuter train services from Limerick Colbert to various other destinations on three different lines.* Limerick - Ennis calling at Sixmilebridge* Limerick - Nenagh calling at Castleconnell and Birdhill...
The Limerick commuter rail network consists of three suburban rail lines which comprise the Limerick suburban
Limerick Suburban Rail
Limerick Suburban Rail is are a group of Iarnród Éireann commuter train services from Limerick Colbert to various other destinations on three different lines.* Limerick - Ennis calling at Sixmilebridge* Limerick - Nenagh calling at Castleconnell and Birdhill...
network. Stations in italics are not yet open.
- Limerick ColbertLimerick railway stationLimerick railway station serves the city of Limerick in County Limerick. It is on Parnell St, and is the main station on the Limerick Suburban Rail network....
- EnnisEnnis railway stationEnnis railway station serves the town of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland. The station forms part of the Western Railway Corridor, the name given to a group of lines in the west of Ireland between Limerick and Sligo...
line calling at SixmilebridgeSixmilebridge railway stationSixmilebridge railway station is a railway station that serves the village of Sixmilebridge in County Clare, Ireland. It is located on the Shannon Road less than 1 km from the village... - Limerick Colbert - NenaghNenagh railway stationNenagh railway station serves the town of Nenagh in North Tipperary, Ireland.The station opened on 5 October 1863 and is on the Limerick-Ballybrophy railway line...
line calling at CastleconnellCastleconnell railway stationCastleconnell railway station, opened on 8 August 1858., serves the town of Castleconnell in County Limerick, Ireland. It is on the Limerick–Ballybrophy railway line and is served by a skeleton service on the Limerick to Nenagh Commuter Service....
and BirdhillBirdhill railway stationBirdhill railway station serves the town of Birdhill in North Tipperary, Ireland.The station opened on 23 July 1860. It is on the Limerick–Ballybrophy railway line and served by a skeleton service on the Limerick to Nenagh Commuter Service. The station once had a large station house but now has...
. (This is a skelelton service) - Limerick Colbert - Limerick JunctionLimerick JunctionLimerick Junction is an important railway station in South Tipperary, Ireland which was originally named "Tipperary Junction". Tipperary town is about two miles away to the south-east. Limerick Junction, with a cluster of pleasantly presented railway cottages and a pub, is a small hamlet...
(for Tipperary town)
Connacht
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
:
Main article Galway Suburban Rail
At present in Galway there is no commuter train service. Starting from late August 2009 there will be a commuter service from Athenry
Athenry railway station
Athenry railway station, on the Dublin-Galway line, serves the town of Athenry in County Galway. It also serves trains passing to Limerick in the south. It once served Tuam & Claremorris in the north, this service may be resumed, see Western Rail Corridor....
- Galway Ceannt
Galway railway station
Galway railway station serves the city of Galway in County Galway. The Station itself is located in the centre of the city in Eyre Square. The station is to be redeveloped in the near future, as part of the Ceannt Station Quarter project.The station opened on 1 August 1851...
calling at Oranmore. Although it is possible to travel from Athenry to Galway at present via the InterCity service to/from Dublin there are no exclusive commuter trains and InterCity services will not stop at the same stations as commuter trains will.
Rolling stock
Commuter services are operated primarily using DMU "railcars,” with four separate classes operating on most routes:| Class | Image | Type | Top speed | Number | Routes operated | Built | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mph | km/h | ||||||
| 2600 Class IE 2600 Class The 2600 Class is a type of Diesel Multiple Unit operated on the Irish railway network by Iarnród Éireann, used mainly for short-haul Commuter services. At present the entire class is based in Cork, and is used on local services to Mallow, Midleton, Cobh and on token services to Tralee... |
diesel multiple unit Diesel multiple unit A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:... |
70 | 110 | 8 | Mallow-Cork-Cobh Mallow-Tralee (sundays only) Cobh-Midleton |
1994 | |
| 2700 Class | diesel multiple unit Diesel multiple unit A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:... |
75 | 120 | 12 | Limerick-Rosslare Limerick shuttle Limerick-Ennis Limerick-Galway Ballina Branch Line |
1997–1998 | |
| 2750 Class |  |
diesel multiple unit Diesel multiple unit A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:... |
75 | 120 | 2 | Limerick-Rosslare Limerick shuttle Limerick-Ennis Limerick-Galway |
1997–1998 |
| 2800 Class IE 2800 Class The 2800 Class is a type of Diesel Multiple Unit operated on the Irish railway network by Iarnród Éireann, used mainly for short-haul Commuter services.-Description:... |
 |
diesel multiple unit Diesel multiple unit A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:... |
75 | 120 | 10 | Dublin-Mullingar/Longford Dubln-Dundalk Dublin-Rosslare |
2000 |
| 29000 Class IE 2900 Class The 29000 Class is a type of four-car Diesel Multiple Unit operated by Iarnród Éireann. The units were built in Spain by CAF in two batches between 2002 and 2005.-Description:... |
diesel multiple unit Diesel multiple unit A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:... |
75 | 120 | 29 | Dublin-Maynooth Dublin-Dundalk Dublin-Arklow Docklands-Clonsilla |
2002–2005 | |
| 22000 Class IE 22000 Class The 22000 Class "InterCity Railcar" is a Diesel multiple unit type in service with Iarnród Éireann in Ireland.In a new departure for Iarnród Éireann they will be the first railcars to have been built specifically to serve on InterCity routes and are capable of up to 100 mph .-History:In 2005,... |
 |
diesel multiple unit Diesel multiple unit A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:... |
100 | 160 | 29 3-car & 12 6-car sets | All Intercity services Except for Enterprise and Cork-dublin (sometimes works a cork-dublin service or a cork commuter service | 2007–2008 |
All of the DMU types can operate either independently, or can be attached to another set of their own class or of another class to form trains of up to ten cars.
In addition to the DMUs, locomotive hauled coaches supplement services. The introduction of the new 22000 Class
IE 22000 Class
The 22000 Class "InterCity Railcar" is a Diesel multiple unit type in service with Iarnród Éireann in Ireland.In a new departure for Iarnród Éireann they will be the first railcars to have been built specifically to serve on InterCity routes and are capable of up to 100 mph .-History:In 2005,...
units on InterCity services will allow the 2800 Class and 29000 Class units currently used to be cascaded to Commuter services, which will then allow the locomotive hauled stock to be phased out.
Eventually, when all 234 22000 Class
IE 22000 Class
The 22000 Class "InterCity Railcar" is a Diesel multiple unit type in service with Iarnród Éireann in Ireland.In a new departure for Iarnród Éireann they will be the first railcars to have been built specifically to serve on InterCity routes and are capable of up to 100 mph .-History:In 2005,...
railcars are delivered, they will operate all intercity services, excluding the Dublin-Cork route and the Dublin-Belfast route.
Future
Iarnród Éireann is currently undertaking a major expansion of its commuter services as part of the Transport 21Transport 21
Transport 21 is an Irish infrastructure plan, announced in November 2005. It aims to greatly expand Ireland's transport network. A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan at the time....
initiative.
Infrastructure
Under this plan, several commuter lines will be refurbished and re-opened - plans include:- Reinstating a rail serviceDublin-Navan railway lineThe Dublin-Navan line was a commuter railway line between Dublin and the town of Navan in County Meath.- History :Navan was originally a significant part of the expanding rail network in Ireland. The Dublin and Drogheda Railway first constructed a branch from the Dublin-Belfast main line through...
to NavanNavan-People:Navan was the childhood home of Pierce Brosnan, who appeared in the television series Remington Steele and was the fifth film actor to play James Bond. TV personality Hector Ó hEochagáin, and comedians Dylan Moran and Tommy Tiernan also hail from Navan....
which will connect with the Western Commuter Line into Dublin. - Expanding the Cork suburban network with new stations between Cork and Mallow, and a branch to MidletonMidletonMidleton, historically Middleton , is a town in south-eastern County Cork, Ireland. It lies some 22 km east of Cork City on the Owenacurra River and the N25 road, which connects Cork to the port of Rosslare...
- Reopening the Western Rail Corridor between Limerick and Sligo in stages, starting with the section between EnnisEnnisEnnis is the county town of Clare in Ireland. Situated on the River Fergus, it lies north of Limerick and south of Galway. Its name is a shortening of the original ....
and AthenryAthenryAthenry is a town in County Galway, Ireland. It lies east of Galway city, and one of the attractions of the town is its medieval castle. The town is also well-known by virtue of the song "The Fields of Athenry".-History:... - Enhance Commuter services into GalwayGalwayGalway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
Feasibility studies have also been made into the possibility of creating airport links to several airports; a link to Knock Airport is a long term aim of the Western Rail Corridor project while a feasibility study into a link to Shannon Airport
Shannon Airport
Shannon Airport, is one of the Republic of Ireland's three primary airports along with Dublin and Cork. In 2010 around 1,750,000 passengers passed through the airport, making it the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin and Cork, and the fifth busiest airport on the island...
from Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
was commissioned by Iarnród Éireann in 2006.
Broadstone Station
In June 2007, Iarnród Éireann announced plans to reopen the old Dublin BroadstoneBroadstone (Dublin) railway station
Broadstone railway station, , the former Dublin terminus of the Midland Great Western Railway, is currently the headquarters of Bus Éireann, housing most of their administration and also one of their main garages...
station to serve as a new terminal station. It was planned to use this as the terminus for the planned line to Navan and, with certain realignment of the lines to the west of Dublin, as an alternate terminus for other services from Maynooth and the reopened Athlone-Mullingar line, relieving the congestion into Connolly and Heuston stations. Under IÉ's plans, Broadstone was to be reopened by 2010. However, the Railway Procurement Agency
Railway Procurement Agency
Railway Procurement Agency is a State Agency of the Department of Transport in the Republic of Ireland charged with the development of light railway and metro infrastructure...
also intended to use the lands at Broadstone for part of its Luas
Luas
Luas , also promoted in the development stage as the Dublin Light Rail System, is a tram or light rail system serving Dublin, the first such system in the decades since the closure of the last of the Dublin tramways. In 2007, the system carried 28.4 million passengers, a growth of 10% since...
project. On 5 February 2008 Noel Dempsey
Noel Dempsey
Noel Dempsey is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was a Teachta Dála for the Meath and Meath West constituencies from 1987 to 2011...
, the Minister for Transport
Minister for Transport (Ireland)
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is the senior minister at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in the Government of Ireland.The current Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is Leo Varadkar, TD...
, indicated his preference for the Luas project over the re-opening of Broadstone for heavy rail. To compensate for the loss of this potential terminus, which Iarnród Éireann maintained was needed to reduce the congestion on Connolly and Heuston, the Government has stated it will allow a new application for planning permission to keep Docklands
Docklands railway station
Docklands Station is a new railway station serving the Dublin Docklands area in Ireland owned by Córas Iompair Éireann planned as part of the Government Transport 21 initiative....
open permanently.
Other Proposals
There have been calls by outside groups for other railway refurbishments to enhance commuter services:- DroghedaDroghedaDrogheda is an industrial and port town in County Louth on the east coast of Ireland, 56 km north of Dublin. It is the last bridging point on the River Boyne before it enters the Irish Sea....
-NavanNavan-People:Navan was the childhood home of Pierce Brosnan, who appeared in the television series Remington Steele and was the fifth film actor to play James Bond. TV personality Hector Ó hEochagáin, and comedians Dylan Moran and Tommy Tiernan also hail from Navan....
- The pressure group Rail Users Ireland have been critical of the plan to reinstate the line to Navan in two stages, which will leave the town without a direct rail service until 2015. They have called for the refurbishment of the line between Navan and DroghedaDroghedaDrogheda is an industrial and port town in County Louth on the east coast of Ireland, 56 km north of Dublin. It is the last bridging point on the River Boyne before it enters the Irish Sea....
, currently used by freight trains, to be reopened for passenger services, which could provide an immediate commuter service to Dublin taking 65 minutes. - MullingarMullingarMullingar is the county town of County Westmeath in Ireland. The Counties of Meath and Westmeath Act of 1542, proclaimed Westmeath a county, separating it from Meath. Mullingar became the administrative centre for County Westmeath...
-Athlone - There have also been calls, most especially by the Midland Railway Action GroupMidland Railway Action GroupMidland Railway Action Group was established to improve the internal infrastructure of the Irish Midlands, in particular, Mullingar, Tullamore, and Athlone, the Midland Railway Action Group is a pressure group striving to have the Athlone to Mullingar rail line re-opened, in order to serve the...
, for the reopening of the link line that connects the Dublin-Sligo main line at Mullingar (into Dublin Connolly) and the Dublin-Galway/Westport main line at Athlone (into Dublin Heuston), restoring the railway network to the town of MoateMoateMoate is a town in County Westmeath, Ireland.The name An Móta is derived from the term motte-and-bailey as the Normans built an example of this type of fortification here. The earthwork is still visible behind the buildings on the main street....
, which was recommended in the strategic review which led to the Transport 21 proposals, and which is seen as essential to ensuring the economic growth of the Midlands region.
Rolling stock
In March 2007, IÉ placed an order for five additional 6-car 22000 ClassIE 22000 Class
The 22000 Class "InterCity Railcar" is a Diesel multiple unit type in service with Iarnród Éireann in Ireland.In a new departure for Iarnród Éireann they will be the first railcars to have been built specifically to serve on InterCity routes and are capable of up to 100 mph .-History:In 2005,...
DMU sets, totalling €79 million, to be added to its initial order of 150 cars. These additional trains will be used on the outer Dublin suburban network to destinations including Portlaoise, Carlow and Athlone. A further order for an additional 51 cars, formed into 17 three-car units and totalling €140 million, was made in March 2009, for use to other suburban destinations, including Dundalk, Kildare, Longford and Navan.
In July 2007, IÉ announced that it was in the process of placing orders for a further 400 carriages. The bulk of these (up to 250 cars) are intended as EMUs for the expansion of the DART services following completion of the Interconnector
Interconnector (rail tunnel)
DART Underground , previously known as the Interconnector, is a planned railway tunnel in Ireland, projected to run under the city centre of Dublin. The tunnel would allow for the expansion of the electrified DART and the Dublin Suburban Rail network, and connect Heuston Station with Pearse Station...
. The remainder, totalling up to 150 cars, will be DMU sets for the expansion of Commuter services in Cork and Limerick, as well as the planned long-distance Commuter sets for services in Leinster.
See also
- Dublin Suburban RailDublin Suburban RailThe Dublin Suburban Rail network, , is a railway network that serves the city of Dublin, Ireland, most of the Greater Dublin Area and outlying towns...
- Cork Suburban RailCork Suburban RailThe Cork Suburban Rail network serves the Metropolitan Cork area in County Cork, Munster, Ireland.There has been a suburban rail system in Cork since the middle of the 19th century however it suffered serious neglect and line closures in the 20th century...
- Galway Suburban Rail
- Limerick Suburban RailLimerick Suburban RailLimerick Suburban Rail is are a group of Iarnród Éireann commuter train services from Limerick Colbert to various other destinations on three different lines.* Limerick - Ennis calling at Sixmilebridge* Limerick - Nenagh calling at Castleconnell and Birdhill...