Ireland Injects €228m to Link Dublin and Belfast by Rail

Wed Jun 24 2026 02:54:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ireland pledges €228 m ($197 m) for cross‑border rail upgrades, easing journeys, backing port and canal projects, and investing in early‑year training.

The Irish government will allocate €228 m (about £197 m) to enhance rail services between Dublin, Belfast and Londonderry, funded through the Shared Island Fund. €193 m is earmarked for infrastructure upgrades, while €35 m will keep hourly trains running until at least 2030. The initiative complements other island projects such as port expansion, the Ulster Canal restoration, a Lough Neagh water‑quality programme and early‑years education funding. These measures aim to improve connectivity, sustainability and prosperity across the island.

Ireland Injects €228 m to Link Dublin and Belfast by Rail

The Irish government is setting aside €228 m (£197 m) for major improvements to rail services that cross the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. A flagship portion of the money—€193 m (£166 m)—will go into upgrading the Londonderry‑Belfast‑Dublin corridor’s track and signalling, while an additional €35 m (£30 m) will support the extension of hourly trains between Dublin and Belfast until at least 2030.

The funds come from the final tranche of the Shared Island Fund, a joint scheme aimed at financing projects that benefit every island community. The Irish cabinet has confirmed that the fund already disburses over €1 bn (£862 m) and has earmarked another €377 m (£325 m) for 12 new initiatives due in the 2027‑2030 window.

In addition to the rail boost, Irish and Northern‑Irish authorities are working to cut journey times between Dublin, Belfast and Limerick via a 15‑20‑minute transfer. The shared effort also includes a €40 m (£34 m) port‑development package, a €30 m (£26 m) investment in the Ulster Canal’s third phase, and €33 m (£28 m) for a new Lough Neagh Catchment Water‑Quality programme.

The comprehensive plan extends to community and sporting infrastructure. A £3 m grant will upgrade cricket facilities at Stormont, with potential for the grounds to host 2026‑era T20 World Cup events. It also allocates €13.5 m (£12 m) for 1,000 new early‑years educator positions—40 % of which will serve Northern‑Irish communities—plus training resources for over 10 500 childcare places island‑wide.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Shared Island Fund is a “major investment for a shared future,” with total allocations now surpassing €1 bn (£862 m). The combined programme is designed to cement a more connected, sustainable and prosperous island for all residents.