NORTHERN IRELAND RAILWAYS (NIR)

TRAFFIC AND TRACTION: The mid-life refurbishment of the 3000 Class fleet continues at York Road Works, with units Nos. 3001, 3009 and 3014 the latest to receive attention.

Nos 3001, 3003, 3005 and 3006 were in regular use on Cross-Border ‘Enterprise’ duties during the period under review; Irish Rail ICR DMU No. 22x04 was also in regular use on the service.

MPV No. 11 was active on trainee driver mileage accumulation and route knowledge duties during the week ending February 27. The machine was noted on the Belfast to Londonderry and Larne lines.

Temporary speed restrictions were imposed on sections of the Larne line between Carrickfergus and Whitehead during late February.

Adelaide Traincare Depot, a DMU maintenance and stabling facility, was used to stable GM No. 233 and its De Dietrich/Mk.3 train (DBFO 9002) from March 5-11. This unusual arrangement was necessary as there was a shortage of siding space at York Road.

No. 233 and its train worked the 08.05 Belfast Lanyon Place to Dublin Connolly on March 11. This also doubled as a positioning move, as No. 233 was scheduled for maintenance.

The stock of the 08.05 also remained at Connolly and another DD/ Mk.3 train, the stock of which required routine maintenance at York Road, was transferred north as the 11.20 Connolly to Belfast service.

A planned total possession of the Carrickfergus to Larne Harbour section was in force during the weekend of

March 6/7. A substitute bus service was operated during the period of disruption.

Both the 09.45 Coleraine to Portrush and 10.03 return on

March 7 were cancelled because of ‘operational issues’.

PRESERVATION: The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) has been awarded £167,300 by the National Lottery Heritage Recovery Fund. The finance will help cover staff salaries, insurance costs, crew training and digital outputs.