Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) to lead Connect, a long-term national rail enhancement programme for Ireland. With an estimated budget of €35bn to €37bn over the next 25 to 30 years, the scheme is intended to transform intercity connectivity and support the country’s transition to net zero.
Funded through the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility and Ireland’s National Development Plan 2021–2030, Connect is described as a major step in delivering Iarnród Éireann’s RAIL2050 strategy. The programme aims to modernise the rail network to provide faster, more frequent and more sustainable services.
Initial work will concentrate on the Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick corridors, which form part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Mott MacDonald’s role includes developing the overall implementation strategy and a decarbonisation roadmap, underpinned by technical studies and extensive stakeholder engagement.
A core objective is to define the infrastructure, service and policy interventions required to create a high-capacity, low-carbon intercity network. Early findings from the project indicate that journey times on key routes could be cut by up to 30 minutes through targeted infrastructure upgrades and raising line speeds to as much as 200km/h.
These journey time improvements, combined with the planned introduction of a new electric fleet, are expected to significantly shorten travel between Dublin and Cork and between Dublin and Limerick, subject to future investment decisions. The programme is forecast to more than double annual intercity passenger numbers by 2050, supporting regional balance, sustainable economic growth and Ireland’s net zero ambitions.
Connect is also intended to underpin Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and the EU Green Deal by encouraging a substantial modal shift from private car to rail. Iarnród Éireann has said the scheme is designed to meet the needs of a growing population, with projections suggesting rail demand could quadruple to 200M passenger journeys a year by 2050, helping to cut emissions and urban congestion.
The project is structured around nine work packages. These cover project management; traffic forecasting using tools such as the Passenger Demand Forecasting Handbook and the National Transport Authority’s Regional Modelling System; and a detailed infrastructure assessment looking at track condition, electrification readiness, rolling stock compatibility and climate resilience.
Further work packages focus on enabling strategies for decarbonisation, funding and interoperability with European and Northern Ireland rail standards. They also include a preliminary and then final Project Implementation Plan for the Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick lines, pre-feasibility studies on TEN-T core network interventions, and preparation of a Project Outline Document for submission to the Department of Transport.
Stakeholder engagement and communication form a dedicated work package, encompassing a formal engagement plan, public consultation on draft proposals, and outreach through social media and policy briefings. Public input is seen as central to shaping the final investment and delivery strategy.
Egis and Systra, working as a joint venture, hold a framework agreement with Irish Rail to provide consultancy services across all phases of Connect, from strategic planning through design to procurement. Under the same framework, AtkinsRéalis has been appointed to specific projects including design of the new Moyross station in Limerick and the DART+ West and South West schemes.
Mott MacDonald managing director for rail, UK & Europe, Tony O’Toole said the consultancy’s long-standing experience in Ireland and on major international rail programmes positions it well to lead Connect. He described the initiative as a pivotal moment for Irish transport and highlighted its role in delivering a “faster, greener and more connected future”.
Iarnród Éireann chief executive Mary Considine said Connect represents a significant joint investment by the European Union and the Irish government in making rail the backbone of a sustainable national transport system. She said the programme will prepare plans for more frequent services and faster journeys while supporting decarbonisation and demonstrating a shared commitment to meeting climate action targets.
