Quick Read
- Irish Rail services are facing widespread disruptions due to Storm Chandra’s aftermath and planned major works.
- Storm Chandra (Jan 27-28, 2026) caused flooding, leading to cancellations on Connolly-Belfast and Rosslare lines with bus transfers.
- Major engineering works from Jan 31 – Feb 2, 2026, will suspend DART services between Connolly and Howth/Malahide.
- Northern Commuter, Dublin/Belfast, Galway/Westport, and Cork commuter routes will also see bus transfers.
- Irish Rail secured a €23 million contract with W.H. Davis for 68 new infrastructure maintenance wagons, with deliveries starting summer 2027.
DUBLIN (Azat TV) – Irish Rail services are currently facing significant disruptions across its network, stemming from the recent severe weather brought by Storm Chandra and extensive planned infrastructure works scheduled for the upcoming St Brigid’s bank holiday weekend, from Saturday, January 31, to Monday, February 2, 2026. This dual challenge is leading to widespread cancellations, revised schedules, and bus transfers for commuters and travelers alike.
The immediate aftermath of Storm Chandra, which battered Ireland on January 27 and 28, 2026, continues to impact rail operations. Heavy rainfall and flooding led to the closure of the rail line between Portadown and Newry, forcing the cancellation of services such as the 8:50am Connolly to Belfast and the 10am Belfast to Connolly trains. Bus transfers were promptly introduced between Newry and Belfast to mitigate the disruption. Similarly, services on the Rosslare Line were suspended due to severe flooding on the tracks near Enniscorthy in County Wexford, necessitating bus transfers from Bray to Rosslare, as reported by The Irish Sun.
Weekend Works Bring Further Service Changes
Adding to the storm-related challenges, Irish Rail has announced major engineering works across several key routes over the long St Brigid’s bank holiday weekend. These planned track and overhead line renewals will significantly impact DART and Intercity services, particularly in the Dublin area. DART services will be suspended between Connolly and Howth/Malahide from Saturday to Monday, with Dublin Bus and GoAhead accepting valid rail tickets for affected routes, according to Dublin Live.
Northern Commuter services are also suspended, with limited bus transfers in operation. Travelers on the vital Dublin/Belfast route will experience bus transfers between Dublin and Drogheda, operating on a revised schedule. Further west, track renewal and platform works will necessitate bus transfers between Heuston and Athlone for passengers traveling on the Galway and Westport routes. In the Cork region, bridge renewal and resignalling works, part of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, will result in bus transfers on Cork to Cobh, Midleton, and Mallow Commuter services throughout the entire weekend. Additionally, bus transfers will operate between Thurles and Cork/Kerry on Saturday, January 31, and between Charleville and Cork/Kerry on Sunday, February 1, and Monday, February 2.
Long-Term Investment in Network Resilience
Amid these immediate operational challenges, Irish Rail is also looking to the future, having recently secured a significant contract with W.H. Davis for the design and manufacture of 68 new infrastructure maintenance wagons. Valued at approximately €23 million, this investment aims to bolster the long-term resilience and efficiency of Ireland’s rail network. These new wagons are set to replace the existing maintenance fleet, much of which is over 50 years old and nearing the end of its operational life, as confirmed by RailBusinessDaily.com.
The new rolling stock will be engineered to transport rails, sleepers, and track panels, facilitating safe and reliable infrastructure delivery across the network. Prototype vehicles are currently in production at W.H. Davis’s Shirebrook facility in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, with deliveries expected to commence from summer 2027. Following testing and commissioning, these wagons are anticipated to enter service from late summer 2027, marking a crucial upgrade to Irish Rail’s maintenance capabilities.
The confluence of severe weather events and necessary infrastructure upgrades highlights the constant need for robust, modern rail systems. While current disruptions pose challenges for passengers, the substantial investment in new maintenance wagons demonstrates a strategic commitment by Irish Rail to enhance network resilience and service reliability for the future.