Irish Rail-Jacobs: Enhancing Ireland’s Rail Infrastructure

Irish Rail Selects Jacobs for Major Railway Enhancement Project

In a significant boost to Ireland’s rail infrastructure, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) has appointed Jacobs as the multi-disciplinary consultant for a substantial enhancement and expansion project along a critical segment of its network. This initiative, announced on July 23, 2025, will focus on an 87-mile (140km) section linking Galway to Portarlington, with onward connections to Dublin. The project, driven by the All Island Strategic Rail Review, aims to increase track capacity, promote decarbonisation through electrification, boost train speeds, and provide more frequent passenger services. The selection of Jacobs, a global leader in infrastructure solutions, signals a major commitment to modernizing Ireland’s railway system. The project will be executed over a four-year initial framework agreement, with the potential for an additional four-year extension. This article explores the key aspects of this transformative project, its implications for the rail industry, and its contribution to Ireland’s sustainable transport goals.

A Comprehensive Scope of Work

The scope of work encompasses a broad range of activities, beginning with pre-feasibility studies, proceeding through detailed feasibility analyses, and culminating in the selection of the preferred options for infrastructure upgrades. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough evaluation of all possibilities before implementation. Jacobs will be responsible for transport planning, stakeholder engagement, environmental impact assessments, and urban development considerations. This integrated approach is essential for the successful execution of a project of this magnitude, which includes the addition of track capacity to accommodate increased service frequency and reduce congestion. The project incorporates strategies to move away from diesel and switch to electric locomotion, helping to meet Ireland’s ambitious decarbonization goals within the railway sector. This includes a detailed assessment of electrification of the railway.

Aligning with Strategic Objectives

This infrastructure investment aligns directly with the strategic objectives of the All Island Strategic Rail Review and is supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA), funded through Project Ireland 2040. This funding mechanism underscores the project’s importance in contributing to the National Development Plan 2018-2027, which promotes compact growth, sustainable mobility, and the transition to a climate-neutral society. The project is crucial to meeting Ireland’s climate action targets, focusing on reducing reliance on private cars and providing frequent, reliable rail services to more communities. The investment in rail infrastructure signifies a shift towards a more environmentally friendly transport system that aims to improve connectivity for communities and businesses.

Jacobs’ Expertise in Rail Infrastructure

Jacobs brings extensive experience to this project. The company’s previous work includes the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects for Irish Rail and the BusConnects Dublin and BusConnects Cork initiatives, undertaken for the NTA. Furthermore, in February of the same year, Jacobs was appointed by Network Rail as the technical services integration delivery partner for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), a railway enhancement project in Northern England, UK. This background in complex railway projects positions Jacobs well to manage the multifaceted challenges of the Galway to Portarlington line upgrade. The project will leverage Jacobs’ expertise in areas such as civil engineering, signaling, and systems integration to ensure a seamless and efficient enhancement of the rail network.

Conclusion

The appointment of Jacobs by Irish Rail represents a major step forward in the modernization of Ireland’s rail infrastructure. By focusing on capacity expansion, decarbonisation, and service improvements, this project aligns with broader national goals for sustainable transport and economic growth. The four-year framework agreement, with the potential for extension, provides the necessary time and scope to conduct comprehensive planning, feasibility studies, and ultimately, implement the necessary upgrades. The project not only promises to enhance the passenger experience through faster and more frequent services but also contributes significantly to reducing reliance on private vehicles and meeting Ireland’s climate action targets. This undertaking sets a positive precedent for future railway investments in the region. The success of this project could serve as a model for other rail enhancement initiatives both in Ireland and internationally. The strategic approach, incorporating detailed planning, stakeholder engagement, and environmental considerations, is designed to deliver a modern, efficient, and sustainable railway network that supports Ireland’s long-term development goals.