WORKS on reopening the Foynes to Limerick rail line are continuing at pace, according to Iarnród Éireann.
The line will be reopened to facilitate freight trains, with phase one of the plans currently underway.
Iarnród Éireann said that the River Maigue bridge at Adare was lifted from its site to be taken away for restoration and repairs.
The bridge is expected to be back in place in early 2024.
Works on the line begun in the Foynes area, with the project gradually moving eastwards in the direction of Limerick as work progresses.
All the rail for the project and the first batch of new concrete sleepers have already been delivered to the site, Iarnród Éireann confirmed.
In an update, the company said that site clearance and removal of the existing track commenced in spring this year, and will be completed by the end of the year.
The installation of boundary fencing has begun between Foynes Port and Adare, works at Robertstown Viaduct have also begun, with demolition of the existing structure currently underway.
As well as that, track excavation and earthworks are underway for new track bed and ballast together with installation of ducting and drainage pipes along the route.
It is anticipated that track laying will commence early in 2024.
Phase two of the project will include the provision of a signalling system for the route, CCTV level crossings, train communications system and track connections, and upgrades at Limerick and at Foynes Port.
The 42km stretch of railway between Limerick and Foynes originally opened in 1858 but closed to passenger traffic in 1963. Freight services continued on the line until 2001.
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said: “I am delighted to see how well work is progressing on this project. Major infrastructure upgrades such as the renovation of the Maigue bridge are key milestones for this project.”
“I would like to commend my team, who are working on this project for their hard work and dedication and I look forward to more sustainable rail freight services once again operating on this route in 2025,” he concluded.
