The proposal, known as the 4 North project, aims to separate Dart commuter services from intercity services, such as the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise, improving capacity and reducing delays for passengers.
Speaking at the Oireachtas Transport Committee yesterday, Irish Rail Chief Executive Jim Meade said the plan is essential to address the increasing demand for train services in Dublin.
The current twin-track system between Connolly and Malahide is shared by both commuter and intercity trains, leading to congestion and delays, particularly during peak times.
The new four-track system would allow for a complete separation of these services, similar to the existing four-track setup on the approaches to Heuston Station.
“We believe this needs to be replicated north of Connolly Station, ideally between Connolly and Malahide, and this ambition is also included in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review,” Mr Meade said.
“The conflicts which arise from shared train types on a twin-track railway will remain with us until we increase that track capacity.
“We are undertaking a study of the requirements to deliver a four-track section, and believe this critical infrastructure should be accelerated to enable continuing service expansion and significant Enterprise journey time improvement,” Mr Meade added.
Irish Rail hopes to publish a detailed expansion plan by early next year.
This project is also expected to improve travel times for the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise service and lay the groundwork for future expansions, including a potential rail link to Dublin Airport from Clongriffin.
Mr Meade acknowledged that some disruption may occur during the construction phase, but stressed the importance of maintaining regular weekday services as much as possible.
The proposal comes at a time when Irish Rail has faced criticism for recent timetable changes and delays to commuter services in north Dublin.
Since the introduction of the new timetable in August, passengers have experienced delays, overcrowding, and signalling issues, particularly at Connolly Station.
“We got it wrong with the new timetable,” Mr Meade said, acknowledging that the changes “had a significant impact on commuters, especially on the northern line”.
He said the disruptions were caused by a combination of factors, including a rise in passenger demand, signalling issues at Connolly, and the introduction of new hourly services between Dublin and Belfast.
He added that “parts of the current railway network are heaving due to capacity issues”.
Irish Rail hopes the new four-track expansion will help alleviate these problems, allowing for more efficient service and greater capacity on the northern line.
