Trans-Dublin
| Trans-Dublin | |
|---|---|
|
An IE 8520 Class leads into Dublin Connolly | |
| Overview | |
| Type | Commuter rail, Suburban rail |
| System | Iarnród Éireann |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Dublin, Republic of Ireland |
| Termini |
Malahide/Howth Bray/Greystones |
| Stations | 31 |
| Services | 1 |
| Operation | |
| Opened | 23 July 1984 |
| Owner | Iarnród Éireann |
| Operator(s) | Iarnród Éireann |
| Depot(s) | Fairview |
| Rolling stock |
8100 Class 8500, 8510 and 8520 Classes |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 53 km |
| Number of tracks | 2-4 |
| Track gauge | 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) |
| Electrification | 1500V DC |
| Operating speed | 100 mph (160 km/h) maximum |
The Trans-Dublin is a railway route serving the city of Dublin and its surrounding areas. The route is used primarily by the DART service, and runs North-South along the east coast of Ireland. The route is divided into two parts over two different railway lines:
- Belfast to Dublin main line - This runs from Dublin Connolly to Belfast Central. The northern section of the Trans-Dublin operates between Dublin Connolly and Howth Junction, where it branches off. The main line continues to Malahide, while a short branch terminates at Howth.
- Dublin to Rosslare main line - This runs from Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort. The southern half of the Trans-Dublin runs as far as Greystones in County Wicklow.
The two sections of the route are connected through the centre of Dublin by the Loopline Bridge over the River Liffey between Dublin Connolly and Tara Street.
Future
There was a proposal to construct a railway tunnel under the centre of the city, named DART Underground, to connect Dublin Heuston, Dublin Pearse and Docklands. This would have been used to create two new DART lines. The Northern section would be diverted away from Dublin Connolly to Docklands and then through the new tunnel calling at new underground stations at Dublin Pearse, St Stephen's Green, High Street and Dublin Heuston, where it would connect with the lines to the south and west of Ireland, terminating at Hazelhatch. The Southern section would continue on its existing route as far as Dublin Connolly, where it will then be diverted via the Western Commuter route via Drumcondra to terminate at either Maynooth or M3 Parkway on the Navan branch. The DART Underground project was cancelled on 22 September 2015.
See also
- Thameslink - a similar North-South route through Central London