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Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) has awarded a consultancy contract to Jacobs, a global engineering firm, to support a transformative rail infrastructure programme aimed at modernizing the Galway–Portarlington corridor, a key regional and intercity route with onward connections to Dublin.
Under a four-year framework agreement, with an option to extend for an additional four years, Jacobs will deliver pre-feasibility, feasibility, and preferred option selection services. The scope includes evaluating:
- Additional track capacity
- Electrification and decarbonisation strategies
- Increased service frequency and speed
- Enhanced accessibility and connectivity
The initiative aligns with the All Island Strategic Rail Review and is supported by the National Transport Authority, with funding from Project Ireland 2040 under the National Development Plan 2018–2027. It aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles, promote sustainable mobility, and contribute to Ireland’s climate action targets.
“This major improvement project will significantly enhance capacity, reduce journey times, and improve connectivity for communities and businesses,” said Keith Lawson, Executive Vice President at Jacobs. Irish Rail CEO Jim Meade added, “We are delighted that a study is underway on these key infrastructure developments”.
Jacobs’ appointment builds on its existing portfolio of transport projects in Ireland, including the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects and BusConnects Dublin and Cork initiatives.
Train In Connolly Station – Dublin by William Murphy
