Rail services have been launched from the recently established Grand Central Station in Belfast. The premiere Enterprise train departed the station for Dublin Connolly Station at 8.05 am on a Sunday. In addition, the previously closed rail route between Belfast and Lisburn is now operational once again. From Tuesday, the 29th of October, an Enterprise service from Belfast to Dublin is scheduled to run every hour.
The new station, worth £340 million, was officially opened in September, initially providing bus services whilst preparation work for the rail services were underway. Expected to be the largest integrated transport hub in Ireland, it will take over the roles of the previous Great Victoria Street station and the Europa Bus centre.
The Infrastructure Minister for Northern Ireland, John O’Dowd, shared his optimism about the reopening of the Lisburn to Belfast rail route, deeming it beneficial for countless commuters and cross-border passengers. He added that the Grand Central Station will be able to accommodate up to 20 million passenger journeys annually, making it the biggest transport facility in Ireland.
This opening occurred not long after Irish Rail cancelled new Dublin commuter schedules presented in August, following punctuality concerns which incited criticism from both the public and the government. In late August, an alternate schedule was introduced partially to allow for augmented services on the Dublin to Belfast route. Unfortunately, these modifications provoked disruptions and delays for passengers heading to Dublin.