Irish Rail Unveils New Timetable with Key Dublin and Nationwide Service Enhancements
Irish Rail has confirmed a new timetable set to commence on 26th August 2024, bringing significant improvements and additional services, particularly for Dublin-based commuters. These changes aim to enhance connectivity, punctuality, and overall service frequency. Here's what you need to know:
Enhancements for Dublin Rail Services
Starting from 26th August, commuters in Dublin will benefit from several key changes. A major highlight is the introduction of a new hourly service between Dublin and Belfast. This will include pre-09:00 arrivals into both cities, providing greater flexibility and convenience for travelers. The full implementation of this service will commence later in the year.
To accommodate the new hourly Belfast services, there will be changes to the departure times for many DART, Northern Commuter, and Maynooth Commuter services. These adjustment aim to improve punctuality across the network, ensuring a more reliable service for daily commuters.
Additionally, Kishoge Station on the Heuston Commuter line will open, providing additional commuting options for residents in the area. Broombridge Station will now be a stop for all Sligo/Dublin Connolly services, facilitating easier interchange with the Luas Green Line.
Further enhancements include the addition of new services on the Heuston/Galway route. This includes an early morning service at 05:45 hrs from Heuston to Galway and a late evening service at 20:30 hrs. Additionally, there will be a new 07:27 hrs service from Tullamore to Galway on weekdays and extra services on Sundays, including a 10:30 hrs Heuston to Galway and a 13:40 hrs Galway to Heuston.
The Heuston/Waterford route will also see extra services, including a later final service each way. The existing 20:15 hrs Heuston to Carlow service will be extended to Waterford, and the 21:37 hrs Carlow to Heuston service will now start from Waterford at 20:20 hrs. An additional service each way on Sundays will bring the total services to five in each direction.
Other Non-Dublin Services
Outside of Dublin, significant improvements have also been made. The Cork Commuter network will see 10 new Saturday services each way on the Cork/Cobh route and four new Sunday services each way on Cork/Cobh. Additionally, there will be six new Sunday services each way on the Cork/Midleton route, delivering a consistent hourly service on both routes on Sundays.
Additional stops have been added to various services following public consultation. This includes new stops at Oranmore on select Galway/Heuston services and Attymon on other specific services. Moreover, there will be new services from Monasterevin and Newry, enhancing connectivity for passengers in these areas.
The expansion of the Intercity railcar fleet, with 41 new carriages being added, will improve capacity on key routes including Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, Tralee, and Westport to Dublin Heuston. These changes, resulting from a comprehensive public consultation, mark a significant upgrade in Irish Rail's service offerings, promising greater convenience and connectivity for passengers across the network.
For more information on the new timetables and service changes, please check the Irish Rail website.