New trains could be procured for Belfast to Dublin Enterprise service due to demand

Fifteen trains a day now operate on the Enterprise service

New trains could be procured for the Belfast to Dublin service due to rising demand. In October 2024, a new hourly Enterprise service began from the new Grand Central Station to Dublin Connolly.

Fifteen trains operate each day between Belfast and Dublin, with stops in Portadown, Newry, Drogheda and Dundalk, compared to eight before the extra subsidy. On Sundays, eight train services operate.

The project was funded by €25m from the Department of Transport, the Irish government, and the Shared Island Fund. In the first year of the extra services, to the end of October 2025, passenger numbers are up 40.4%.

READ MORE: Translink currently reviewing fare structures for Belfast to Dublin Enterprise train serviceREAD MORE: Translink urged to investigate after school pupils allegedly refused on bus

Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty, asked the Infrastructure Minister if her Department had any plans to increase the number of train carriages for journeys during peak periods due to rising demand.

Responding this week, Minister Liz Kimmins said Translink and Irish Rail are currently involved in a project to procure eight new Enterprise trains, due to enter service by 2030.

The Minister said: “This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:

“The Enterprise timetable is operated by mixed fleet with three types of rolling stock, including the existing Enterprise train sets supplemented by both Irish Rail and Translink trains – these are scheduled to operate with either six or seven passenger carriages.

“Translink and Irish Rail are currently involved in a project to procure eight new Enterprise trains with the support of DfI, DoT and SEUPB.

“The project is at the procurement stage. These trains are scheduled to enter service by 2030.”

Residents and business owners in Lurgan have raised concerns that increased cross-border services are leading to further traffic congestion in the town, with complaints about rail crossing barriers blocking road traffic.

Translink responded with an Outline Business Case suggesting a new signal system at level crossings in the town which could commence in 2027.

However, it is also expected construction of the new train station in the Co Armagh town could begin in 2027, subject to funding and planning approval.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.