IEA Submission: All-Island Strategic Rail Review

The Island of Ireland has approximately 2,300 kilometres of public rail lines, operated by
Iarnród Éireann. Translink operates 357 kilometres of the rail network in Northern Ireland.
There are 199 passenger rail stations on the island, with each of the seven major cities
serving as a terminus for rail services. The majority of the rail network is single track, and
the maximum permitted speed on the rail network is 160 kilometres per hour along certain
lines and 145 kilometres per hour on parts of the Northern Ireland network.

Despite this, Ireland’s rail network suffers from significant deficiencies, including inadequate
coverage, low service frequencies, and slower speeds compared to similar rail systems. The
Irish Exporters Association welcome this review, both in identifying the strategic needs
required for the future development of our all-island rail network, and in highlighting the
important role rail can play in supporting Irish exporters.