As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded to be fully delivered by 2030. This includes the reinstatement of a passing loop at Mosney and increased use of a passing loop at Skerries, which will support quicker journeys between Dublin and Belfast. The Early Interventions in Ireland are fully funded.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network. These Major Projects include “FourNorth”, to add track capacity on the busy Northern line north of Connolly station; and electrification and line speed improvements on the Dublin-Belfast line. Projects such as the proposed new line between Clongriffin and Drogheda are intended to be developed in the longer-term.
In relation to car parking facilities, stations on the Northern Commuter line between Clongriffin and Dundalk have almost 1,700 spaces across ten stations, with Drogheda and Dundalk Stations amongst the largest car parks.
An issue developed in recent months with illegal parking on the access road to Dundalk station. The extent of parking had created safety issues in access for emergency services vehicles. As a result, double-yellow lines were put in place in October, and those parking illegally in this area will be subject to clamping.
The success of the expanded Enterprise train service has resulted in challenges for car park capacity in Dundalk, and Iarnród Éireann is examining opportunities to make some initial changes to yield even a small number of extra spaces.
Beyond this, Iarnród Éireann is reviewing its national car park network at present to identify stations most in need of additional capacity and will liaise with the National Transport Authority on priority locations. Timing of any expansion works will be subject to land availability and funding approval.
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including car parking, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
