Foynes Line reopening takes big step forward

€65m contract let for reconstruction to Sisk, with 2025 the opening date target.

THE Foynes Line reconstruction took a significant step forward on January 9, with the award by Iarnród Éireann to John Sisk and Sons of a €65 million contract for the first phase of works to reinstate the mothballed 42kmlong Limerick to Foynes rail line for freight services.

Sisk’s phase one work will focus on clearing vegetation, replacing track, sleepers and installing a new ballast bed, renewal of bridges, lineside fencing and culverts, works to level crossings and public road crossings and the installation of infrastructure necessary to move to phase two of the project.

As previously reported, vegetation clearance by local contractors began in September, clearing the line of almost 20 years’ growth back to the boundary fences. Sisk will start mobilisation with major works scheduled to start this month, and be completed before the end of 2024. It is expected once the structures, including the replacement of Robertstown viaduct near Foynes, and ballast bed are renewed, track will be relaid from the Foynes end.

In November the Irish Government confirmed €104m funding for the project and

IÉ has said that €39m will be used for the renewal of road infrastructure at public level crossings and at accommodation level crossings.

Work is expected to be completed in 18 months, allowing the line to be handed over to IÉ for phase two in the autumn of 2024 when the signalling is due to be installed, including for road level crossings.

In December, IÉ programme manager David Vaughan briefed Limerick councillors on the project and confirmed that the line would reopen for freight in 2025 and said there would be no obstacle to reintroduce passenger services as long as the appropriate infrastructure is provided.

Mr Vaughan said: “There would not be a whole lot involved in switching over, other than the provision of stations.”

He added: “The track infrastructure, bridges, drainage – all that doesn’t change. It is the provision of stations, with platforms, shelters, ticket machines and parking that has to be considered.”