Commuters between Dublin and Belfast can expect delays over the coming months, as Translink is to commence a major phase of works associated with the new Belfast Grand Central station this week.
The works are due to begin on Wednesday, July 3rd, and are expected to continue until early Autumn.
Bus transfers will operate between Newry and Belfast for the Enterprise service.
The works include realignment of the track to serve the new station, alongside a period of testing, commissioning and training.
Irish Rail delays, cancellations, timetable chaos, signal failures ... what’s going on?
Almost 40 gardaí board Dublin buses in safety blitz targeting antisocial behaviour
Bus journey times cut by up to one third on Dublin’s Liffey quays, NTA says
Navan-Dublin train: Proposed line likely to cost up to €3bn, transport authority estimates
As a result, customers on the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise service were asked to note that during these dates, the following arrangements will apply:
- The rail line will be closed between Lisburn and Belfast
- Enterprise services between Dublin and Belfast will operate between Dublin and Portadown only
- Bus transfers will operate between Newry and Belfast for customers travelling to/from Belfast
The following Saturday services will not operate:
- 9.36am Belfast to Dublin Connolly
- 12.21pm Dublin Connolly to Belfast
The following Sunday services will not operate:
- 13:00hrs Dublin Connolly to Belfast
- 17:05hrs Belfast to Dublin Connolly
Translink’s new Belfast Grand Central Station will be the new Belfast terminus for Dublin to Belfast rail services when it is completed and operational in the fourth quarter of this year.
It is set to serve 20 million passenger journeys annually. There will also be enhanced walking and cycling provision.
“We look forward to rail customers benefiting from this major new transport hub later this year, and to delivering – with Translink – an expanded hourly service between Dublin and Belfast later this year,” an Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
