The frequency of train services between Belfast and Dublin is poised to increase, benefitting from what is regarded as the most significant expansion on the route straddling the Irish border in over 25 years. Starting Tuesday, trains will depart every hour from both Dublin’s Connolly Station and the newly established Grand Central Station in Belfast. The new schedule will result in a total of fifteen daily services in each direction from Monday to Saturday, a substantial increase from the previous eight services. On Sundays, the train frequency will rise from six to eight departures in each direction.
Last month, Irish Rail was forced to abandon updates to Dublin commuter timetables, introduced in August, due to issues with punctuality. This adjustment triggered severe criticism from both governmental authorities and the public. The changes impacted northern routes in particular.
The decision to enhance the frequency of the Enterprise service has been made possible through the backing of the Irish Government, with an investment of €25 million (£20 million). The Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, applauded the introduction of the hourly service as the beginning of a broader transformation of rail services across Ireland. Ryan emphasised the importance of the service enhancement for sustainable transport connectivity between the largest cities in Ireland, saying it would encourage more people to use rail transport and bolster economic and social ties along the route.
John O’Dowd, who serves as the Minister for Infrastructure in Stormont, expressed that an improved and expanded rail network could create job opportunities and stimulate development while contributing to environmental sustainability. Chris Conway, chief executive of Northern Ireland’s transport operator Translink, also backed the increased frequency as advantageous for residents, communities, and the environment, predicting a remarkable opportunity for economic growth.