27.01.15
Plans for €300m Belfast to Dublin Airport rail link revealed
The boss of Irish Rail has revealed that the company is considering an extension to its network that would allow people to travel directly from Belfast to Dublin Airport.
David Franks, the CEO of Irish Rail, said the ambitious plan would be served by direct Intercity services to Cork, Galway, and Belfast.
In an interview with the Irish Independent, Franks revealed that the project, which would involve building a spur line to the airport from Clongriffin, is being considered by the Department of Transport.
The second part of the ambitious €300m (£223m) project would involve a second line from the airport to Swords, before connecting back onto the main Dublin-Belfast line.
Franks said: “You could gain access to Cork, Galway or Belfast. We think it could be done for about €300m, but that’s very rough and ready.”
He added that the project could be built in less than five years, and carry three million airport passengers and boost tourism.
But the plan has also sparked renewed calls for a direct rail link to Belfast International Airport, which could suffer if the proposal goes ahead.
(Image: Dublin airport. Source: ColmDeSpáinn)
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]