IRELAND: Rural electrification, primary line updating and brand-new rolling stock are amongst the transport enhancements imagined in the government’s 2018-27 National Advancement Plan published on February 16.
The EUR2bn DART Growth Programme proposes a series of improvements to the Dublin rural network, ahead of the construction of the long-planned cross-city ‘DART Underground’ tunnel, for which a preferred route is to be safeguarded.
Initial investment will focus on infrastructure enhancements and resignalling of Iarnród Éireann’s existing paths to accommodate improved services, including the recently-opened link through the Phoenix Park tunnel. The 1 · 5 kV DC amazed network will be reached consist of the Northern Line from Malahide to Drogheda, the Kildare Line as far as Celbridge/Hazelhatch, and the Sligo Line to Maynooth with its branch to M3 Parkway. New stations will provide interchange with the capital’s bus and light rail networks.
Rolling stock enhancements consist of the acquisition of 300 new automobiles, which 100 will supply extra capacity and 200 will change the oldest DART EMUs that date from the early 1980s. Some electro-diesel multiple-units are envisaged, which would allow the operation of through services beyond the energized network. These might also be geared up to work under 25 kV 50 Hz, as this voltage is being thought about for electrification of the main lines from Dublin to Belfast and Cork.
In the much shorter term, IÉ is boosting capability by refurbishing 28 kept DMU cars which are anticipated to return to service in 2019-20. A procurement exercise is underway for re-tractioning the remaining active EMD Class 201 engines, starting with a single model to assess the advantages.
Research studies will look at the scope for facilities enhancements to increase speeds on the main lines from Dublin to Belfast, Cork and Galway, consisting of choices for electrification. The financial benefits of faster operation on the existing lines will be assessed against a proposed high speed line in the Belfast– Dublin– Limerick Jcn– Cork corridor, along with the appraisal processes and value-for-money tests required under the Public Costs Code.
Reinstatement of the mothballed Limerick– Foynes line is anticipated to serve a EUR27m five-year port growth programme revealed by the Shannon Foynes Port Co. The conversion of some power generation capability to biomass is expected to lead to increased freight traffic moving imported fuel to the power stations.
Funding has now been agreed to present a train defense system throughout the entire network. A new National Train Control Centre to manage the entire network is to be constructed near Dublin Heuston station.
In addition to the rail growth, the National Transportation Authority will take forward the proposed north-south light metro in Dublin, following a choices analysis of possible alignments and station places. Costed at EUR3bn and now expected to be completed by 2027, the Metro Link would run from Swords via Dublin Airport then tunnel under the city centre prior to taking over the southern part of the existing Luas light rail Green Line to Sandyford, in order to accommodate expected ridership development along this corridor.
According to outbound IÉ President David Franks, ‘there’s a lot to do and it remains in everybody’s interest to have a train that’s discussed favorably. We need to deliver the dedications in the Capital Plan, on time and to budget plan, which will provide the government self-confidence that it deserves additional investment.’ He states IÉ’s monetary position is ‘in the very best location it’s been since 2007’, with increased earnings and an additional EUR60m of financial investment funding assigned for this year, along with the 10-year enhancement programme. ‘All the components exist; the secret is just providing.’
Source
http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/electrification-envisaged-in-irelands-10-year-transport-plan.html
source http://taxi.nearme.host/electrification-envisaged-in-irelands-10-year-transport-plan/
No comments:
Post a Comment