The Department of Transport in Ireland and Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland have secured record-breaking Shared Island Fund investment in all-island rail connectivity, announced by the Government of Ireland today.
Rail projects across the island of Ireland have been allocated €228 million through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund, with projects targeted for full delivery by 2030. These investments will improve efficiency and reliability of rail services, easing congestion and boosting connectivity, in line with the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR) and the joint Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy, and providing additionality and acceleration of infrastructure delivery:
- €100 million for a series of planned track renewal projects in Northern Ireland along the Derry-Belfast and Belfast-Dublin lines, helping to boost line speeds, improve reliability and enhance connectivity with the North West and the Dublin-Belfast corridor.
- €93 million in Ireland for the accelerated delivery of infrastructure planned as part of DART+ Coastal North, which will help to avoid scheduling conflicts between the cross-border Enterprise and DART services on the Northern Line.
- €35 million for continuation of the hourly Enterprise service to 2030, which was first introduced with Shared Island Fund funding in October 2024. This funding will be matched by the Department of Transport. Since the introduction of the hourly service, Enterprise passenger numbers have increased by approximately 40%.
Complementing this investment, the two Departments will work with relevant agencies so that there is a 15-20 minute transfer time between the Dublin-Belfast and Belfast-Derry lines to enhance connectivity between the three cities.
This funding will allow the acceleration of the delivery of elements of DART+ Coastal North, by providing signalling upgrades and turnback facility at Malahide station and a track loop at Clongriffin station. These investments will help alleviate congestion on the busy Northern Commuter Rail line enabling Enterprise trains to seamlessly pass stationed DART and commuter trains, helping to improve the efficiency and reliability of the service, and supporting the operation of the new Battery-electric DART fleet when it enters service on the line from Dublin to Drogheda next year.
Welcoming the announcement by the Government, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said:
“The allocation by the Government of Shared Island funding to these projects will allow us to further strengthen cross-border rail. I am particularly pleased to see the acceleration of works on DART+ Coastal North ahead of the entry into service of the new DART fleet next year, and the new Enterprise Rail fleet ahead of its entry into service in 2030. These projects not only demonstrate Government commitment to continuing to enhance connectivity with Northern Ireland, but also our commitment to a wider investment in public transport delivery.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said:
“As Minister with responsibility for the implementation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, I am delighted to see such a major funding commitment towards projects to enable enhanced connectivity across our island. These projects will make it easier to travel seamlessly by rail between three major cities on the island, in line with the vision set out in the Rail Review.”
Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer said:
“I am delighted to see this allocation of Shared Island funding. Given the large numbers of people who travel each day to Dublin and Belfast from Portadown, Newry, Dundalk, Drogheda and their surrounding areas, frequent and fast train services will allow for more convenient access to workplaces, education, healthcare and other facilities. I am particularly pleased that the Government’s commitment to regional development is reflected in the northwest elements of the overall funding package.”
Minister for Infrastructure in the Northern Ireland Executive, Liz Kimmins said:
“The announcement of Shared Island funding to support Derry-Belfast-Dublin connectivity is very welcome. The investment the Shared Island fund is making in rail will accelerate improvements on the Belfast-Dublin and Belfast–Derry lines, strengthening regional balance and connectivity.
“This investment will pave the way for faster journeys and greater reliability for services between Dublin, Belfast and the North-West – delivering a more cohesive rail network, connecting communities and boosting the thriving all-island economy.”