Freight services on Foynes line by early 2026

THE LAYING of the new track for the Foynes Limerick rail freight line project has started and phase one is now progressing well.

It is expected that the route will be ready for operations in December 2025 with freight services starting in early 2026.

Old track including rails, sleepers and fixings made up of jointed track on wooden sleepers, have all been removed, as they could no longer be used.

The main contractor Sisk and subcontractor Steconefer, have now started to replace the existing track with new materials.

This work will involve laying new concrete sleepers and rails to match the existing track alignment, which will be welded to form continuous welded rail.

Workers have started laying the track near Askeaton and it's expected that all of the track will be laid by the end of this year.

Boundary fencing along the route is also almost finished.

There are plans for the Robertstown viaduct to be installed this summer, while refurbishment works on the River Deel bridge are finished.

Phase two of the project will include the provision of a signalling system for the route, CCTV level crossings, train communications system and track connections and upgrades at Limerick and at Foynes Port.

Subject to funding for phase two, it is expected that this work will take a year and a half to complete.

For the announcement of the development, Jim Meade, chief executive of Iarnród Éireann, was joined on site by national elected representatives, as well as members of the project team.

Mr Meade said this is a key milestone in the project: “I am delighted to see how well work is progressing on the Foynes to Limerick freight line.

“The commencement of track laying is a key milestone for the project.

“I look forward to more sustainable rail freight services once again operating on this route in 2026, benefiting the environment, the economy and businesses availing of the service.”

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Minister for Transport, Éamon Ryan TD said: “The laying of these tracks marks a major milestone in reestablishing a rail link with one of our key ports, as recommended in the National Development Plan.

“Re-opening the Limerick to Foynes line for the operation of rail freight services will play a vital role in promoting the shift from road to rail freight and will support us in meeting our decarbonisation goals”.

Steven McGee, COO, Ireland and UK from main contractor, Sisk said: “Upon completion, the Limerick Foynes freight railway line will be a major asset to the Mid West region to strengthen sustainable freight transport.”

The 42km of railway has been closed to passenger traffic since 1963, while freight services continued until 2001.