Ireland Appoints Mott MacDonald to Lead Major Rail Network Transformation

Mott MacDonald to Lead 'CONNECT' Rail Project

Iarnród Éireann, Ireland's national railway company, has officially appointed global engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald to lead its ambitious 'CONNECT rail project.' This significant undertaking is designed to transform Ireland's intercity rail network, accelerating the country's transition to climate neutrality and delivering enhanced services for passengers.

The project will initially concentrate on the vital Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick corridors, which are crucial for Ireland's social and economic connectivity. Mott MacDonald's role will involve developing a comprehensive implementation strategy and a detailed decarbonization roadmap, supported by in-depth technical studies and extensive stakeholder consultations.

Strategic Funding and Objectives

The 'CONNECT rail project' is a cornerstone of Iarnród Éireann's RAIL2050 strategy and is co-funded by significant investments from the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Ireland's National Development Plan 2021–2030. This initiative aligns with broader national and EU climate and transport goals, including Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2024 and the EU Green Deal.

The primary objectives of the project include:

• Modernizing existing infrastructure.
• Reducing carbon emissions across the rail network.
• Delivering faster, more frequent, and more sustainable rail services.

Early findings from the project suggest that targeted infrastructure upgrades and increased line speeds of up to 200 km/h could reduce journey times by up to 30 minutes on key intercity routes. These improvements, combined with the planned introduction of a new electric fleet, are expected to significantly shorten travel times between Dublin and Cork, and Dublin and Limerick.

Future Vision and Impact

The 'CONNECT rail project' is projected to more than double annual intercity passenger numbers, aiming for 200 million passenger journeys by 2050. This substantial increase is anticipated to contribute significantly to regional balance, sustainable growth, and Ireland's journey towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Mary Considine, CEO of Iarnród Éireann, emphasized the project's importance, stating, 'The CONNECT rail project is a major investment by the European Union and the Irish Government in the development of rail transport as a central element of a sustainable mobility system for citizens.' Tony O'Toole, Mott MacDonald's Managing Director for Rail – UK and Europe, echoed this sentiment, calling it a 'pivotal moment for Irish transport' and expressing pride in helping to deliver a 'faster, greener and more connected future.'