TRAVEL chaos is set to ensue this Christmas as one of Ireland’s busiest train tracks is set to close for 10 days.
Irish Rail has announced that the “loop line” between Dublin‘s Connolly and Pearse Station will close over the Christmas and New year period.
The bustling train line – which sees just under 100,000 movements each year will see a full track renewal for the first time in over 20 years.
The major works are set to take place from December 26, 2024 until January 5, 2025 and will reopen on January 6, 2025.
The time of year was chosen as it is when the train line sees the least number of passengers.
The last time these works were completing was over the Christmas period in 2004 to New Year 2005.
The track renewal also means the line will be closed between Connolly and Grand Canal Dock during this time – with some exceptions between Pearse and Grand Canal Dock.
Both Connolly Station and Grand Canal Dock will remain fully operational throughout the track works – except Connolly’s platform 7.
The works mean that the Dart will operate from Howth/Malahide to Connolly on the northside and then from Bray/Greystones to Grand Canal Dock on the southside.
Those on the southside will be able to use their tickets on Dublin Bus to travel to the city centre.
Intercity service passengers will get a bus transfer between Connolly and Bray on the Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort line.
And Northern/Maynooth Commuter customers will travel to and from Dublin Connolly only.
These disruptions come with exceptions on New Year’s Eve and January 2 and 3 which are listed below.
The works will see 4.2 kilometres of track – 2.1 kilometres each way – fully relayed as well as an inspection of the Loop Line Bridge.
Irish Rail revealed that any deferrals would lead to speed restrictions on the trains meaning services would be delayed and reduced.
Irish Rail said: “The track last relayed over Christmas 2004 and New Year 2005 is now at the end of its expected use, with the track quality index (TQI) no longer at levels expected of a line which sees this frequency of services.
“Were the works to be deferred, or scheduled over a longer timeframe (either weekend impacts or night works over a two-year period), temporary speed restrictions would be required causing service delays or reduced services, as well as significantly higher costs of works.
“Iarnrod Eireann apologises for any inconvenience caused by these essential works.”
The changes to services are as follows:
Thursday, December 26:
- There will be no services offered on Iarnrod Eireann on St Stephen’s Day.
Friday, December 27 to Sunday, January 5 – with exceptions
- The train lines will be closed from Connolly to Grand Canal Dock
- DART services will operate between Howth/Malahide and Connolly Station and between Grand Canal Dock to Bray/Greystones.
- Dublin Bus will accept rail tickets for southside customers travelling to and from the city centre.
- Inctercity services between Dublin Connolly and Rosslare Europort will involve bus transfers between Connolly and Bray
- All Northern/Maynooth Commuter services will operate to/from Dublin Connolly only.
Listed Exceptions
- From 8pm onwards on New Years eve: Lines will be closed from Connolly to Pearse only
- Thursday January 2 and Friday January 3 from 6am to 6pm inclusive – Line will be closed from Connolly to Pearse only.
Irish Rail has said they have established a dedicated community liaison information programme with contact arrangements for those living close-by.
