PROGRESS on restoring the Limerick to Foynes freight line is continuing this week with works on the refurbishment of Foynes Station Roof getting underway.
This follows the completion of track laying works with fresh works now underway to replace the former train shed roof with a like for like structure.
This will be followed by refurbishment works on the Foynes Station building later in 2026 to provide for Iarnód Éireann staff accommodation on site.
Works on the €151.5milllion project completed so far include 42km of track laying works, completion of track work at Adare and Foynes stations, closure and upgrades of user worked level crossings, and the installation of signalling and telecoms infrastructure, Irish Rail confirmed this week.
The line is planned to come into operation in October 2026 with works including the completion of the signalling and telecoms infrastructure to enable train operations, further works on user worked level crossings, connection of the Foynes line to the existing network in Limerick as part of the line commissioning, and the reinstatement of 13 public road level crossings with CCTV monitored crossings.
It is expected that the first freight services will commence operations following commissioning of the line in October 2026 along with the completion of driver training on the route.
The 42km stretch of railway between Limerick City and Foynes Port originally opened in 1858 but has been inactive since 2001.
The line remained under the stewardship of Irish Rail and is being renewed to support the reintroduction of rail freight services.