Mott MacDonald to Lead Ireland’s CONNECT Intercity Rail Project

Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail has appointed Mott MacDonald to lead the CONNECT rail project, a national programme designed to modernise Ireland’s intercity rail network and support the country’s transition to net zero emissions.

The project is funded through the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility and Ireland’s National Development Plan 2021–2030. CONNECT forms part of Iarnród Éireann’s RAIL2050 strategy, aiming to upgrade infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and provide more frequent and efficient services for passengers.

The programme will concentrate on the Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick corridors, which are central to Ireland’s transport network.

Mott MacDonald’s role will include developing an implementation strategy and decarbonisation roadmap, supported by technical studies and stakeholder engagement. The findings will inform the infrastructure, service, and policy measures needed to deliver a higher-capacity, lower-emission rail system with reduced journey times.

Tony O’Toole, managing director for rail, UK & Europe at Mott MacDonald, said:

Mott MacDonald has been shaping rail networks for over a century, from pioneering the Dublin LUAS in Ireland to delivering major programmes like the Elizabeth Line in the United Kingdom and Sydney Metro in Australia. Our deep understanding of rail systems, combined with our long standing presence in Ireland, places us perfectly to lead the CONNECT Project. This is a pivotal moment for Irish transport and we are proud to help deliver a faster, greener and more connected future.

Early assessments indicate that targeted infrastructure upgrades and line speeds of up to 200 km/h could reduce journey times by around 30 minutes on key intercity routes. The planned introduction of an electric fleet is expected to complement these improvements, though delivery will depend on future investment decisions.

The CONNECT project is projected to increase annual intercity passenger numbers by 2050 while contributing to regional connectivity, sustainable transport, and Ireland’s climate targets. The programme also aligns with the objectives of the EU Green Deal by promoting a shift from road to rail travel.

Mary Considine, chief executive of Iarnród Éireann, said:

The CONNECT rail project is a significant investment by the European Union, together with the Irish Government, in developing rail as the backbone of a sustainable transport system for Ireland’s citizens. CONNECT will prepare plans to support frequent services with faster travel times, whilst supporting decarbonisation, demonstrating our commitment and that of the Irish Government to meeting our climate action targets.