Connolly to Grand Canal Dock Rail Line to Close for Track Renewal from Dec 27 to Jan 5

Iarnród Éireann has announced that the rail line between Connolly Station and Grand Canal Dock will be closed for over a week during the upcoming Christmas and New Year period to facilitate essential track renewal works. The closure will be in effect from 27 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, with some exceptions between Pearse Station and Grand Canal Dock to accommodate specific travel needs.

The project will see 4.2 kilometers of track replaced, including 2.1 kilometers on each line, from the south end of platform 6/7 at Connolly Station to Pearse Station. This marks the first full renewal of this busy section of rail line in 20 years, with the last similar works carried out during Christmas 2004 and New Year 2005.

The upgrades, which include the use of synthetic sleepers and improved construction techniques, are expected to extend the track’s design life to 40 years. During the works, a full inspection of the Loop Line Bridge will also take place.

DART services will continue to operate between Howth/Malahide and Connolly, and also between Grand Canal Dock and Bray/Greystones.

Dublin Bus will honor rail tickets for southside passengers traveling to and from the city center. Intercity services between Dublin Connolly and Rosslare Europort will involve bus transfers between Connolly and Bray. Northern and Maynooth Commuter services will operate to and from Connolly only.

On New Year’s Eve, services between Pearse and Grand Canal Dock will be maintained after 11 pm to help festival attendees return home. Similar arrangements will apply on 2nd and 3rd of January to facilitate commuters.

Iarnród Éireann has apologised for any inconvenience caused, citing the urgency of these works to avoid service delays and higher costs in the future. A community liaison program has also been established to keep residents informed.

For more information on the track closure, please refer to the Irish Rail website.