AtkinsRéalis awarded Iarnród Eireann (Irish Rail) contracts to design new stations and explore options to increase Ennis Line capacity

AtkinsRéalis will develop station location options and designs for three possible new stations at Ballysimon (Co. Limerick), Cabra and Kylemore (Dublin). The firm has also been appointed to propose infrastructure improvements to increase capacity on the Limerick to Ennis Line. AtkinsRéalis will deliver Phases 1 and 2 for these projects, providing transport planning, engineering, and estimating services.

The projects are part of the Irish Government’s strategy to increase the modal share of public transport, while also helping to deliver on its Climate Action Plan.

Ballysimon, Cabra & Kylemore

The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transports Strategy (LSMATS) identified Ballysimon as a potential location for a new park and ride station as part of long-term plans to develop a commuter rail service in the Limerick area, to increase public transport usage and serve a population that relies heavily on private car travel.

Feasibility and option selection studies will also be undertaken for new stations proposed at Cabra and Kylemore in Dublin to integrate with the capital city’s heavy rail network as well as the DART+ Southwest railway project.

Ennis Line enhancements

AtkinsRéalis will identify and recommend infrastructure solutions to increase the capacity and resilience of the Ennis Line, which runs between Limerick and Ennis and onwards to Galway. The line is constrained by a single-track railway, with potential enhancements intended to reduce journey times and increase capacity for both passenger and freight journeys.

The Ennis Line enhancements are part of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). The Ennis Line enhancements will also help to facilitate plans to increase train services between Galway and Limerick, as outlined in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR).

AtkinsRéalis Highways and Transportation Director – Ireland, Tony Mortimer said:

“We have a proven track record of delivering some of Ireland’s largest capital investment programmes and are looking forward to working with Iarnród Éireann to deliver these important rail investment projects, which will better connect people, facilitate economic growth and provide more sustainable transport options. Our local team will be supported by our significant global expertise in rail engineering to scope and recommend the best possible options.”

Minster for Transport, Éamon Ryan TD said:

“I am delighted that studies are underway into increasing capacity on the Limerick-Ennis rail line and developing new train stations in Ballysimon, Cabra and Kylemore. These locations were identified in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area and Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategies as enablers for transport-orientated development. These studies indicate this Government’s commitment to providing new, quality public transport options, including rail, across Ireland. I look forward to their completion.” 

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade said:

“At Iarnród Éireann we are delighted that studies are underway on these key infrastructure developments. We believe strongly that providing frequent and reliable rail services to more and more communities will greatly assist in reducing reliance on private cars and will go a long way to meeting Ireland’s climate action targets. This will help establish rail as the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network.”

The appointments build on AtkinsRéalis’ recent experience delivering the initial phases of the Limerick-to-Limerick junction capacity enhancement project, the design for a new station at Moyross in Limerick, and the railway order application for DART+ Southwest for Iarnród Éireann.

ENDS

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organisations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in key strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear, Operations & Maintenance and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.