Irish Railway News ‘Enterprise Watch’

[airfixfan]

Expect an update on the 201 problem at GC later today

[Niles]

14 hours ago, Colin_McLeod said:

Just a though, but if DDs can't go to GC yet, could NIR and IR enter into some arrangement whereby the Enterprise is temporarily operated entirely by ICR sets with the DDs working to Galway or Sligo.  If it's possible that would avoid the Enterprise returning to Lanyon Place and would enable GC rail operations to get started until the problem is sorted.

I suspect by the time the sets were cleared for other lines and staff trained, GC would be passed for 201s...

[airfixfan]

Translink have already asked but no spare ICRs available for the Enterprise 

[Tractionman]

15 hours ago, Colin_McLeod said:

Just a though, but if DDs can't go to GC yet, could NIR and IR enter into some arrangement whereby the Enterprise is temporarily operated entirely by ICR sets with the DDs working to Galway or Sligo.  If it's possible that would avoid the Enterprise returning to Lanyon Place and would enable GC rail operations to get started until the problem is sorted

In a flight of whimsy I did wonder if the services could be alternated between DDs from Lanyon and ICRs from GC, one from each for each hour if it's an hourly timetable... But then again perhaps likely to create confusion but at least then Translink could say that Enterprise trains are running from GC, to save embarrassment...?

[Westcorkrailway]

1 hour ago, Tractionman said:

In a flight of whimsy I did wonder if the services could be alternated between DDs from Lanyon and ICRs from GC, one from each for each hour if it's an hourly timetable... But then again perhaps likely to create confusion but at least then Translink could say that Enterprise trains are running from GC, to save embarrassment...?

I’d rather it be consistent! 

[airfixfan]

Come October if no GC they will just return to Lanyon!

Edited September 16 by airfixfan

[Westcorkrailway]

This whole ordeal is hilarious 

[NIRCLASS80]

Facts help get a clearer understanding 

Edited September 17 by NIRCLASS80

[Patrick Davey]

On 16/9/2024 at 8:29 AM, airfixfan said:

Expect an update on the 201 problem at GC later today

Did I miss it?

[jhb171achill]

42 minutes ago, Patrick Davey said:

Did I miss it?

Yes.

Theres’s another tomorrow, but it might be a bus.

Or something.

[airfixfan]

Looks like the issue is solved but Translink.saying nothing at present

[NIRCLASS80]

Facts

1. The DD’s will be with us to 2030 
2. They will only ever run on the Belfast to Dublin route
3. The vast majority of service issues since early July have been delayed buses caught up in congestion on the M1 A1 corridor 
4. The number two issue for service delays has been congestion and lost paths on the approach to Connolly

I can never understand the constant negativity towards the DD’s as they are not the biggest issue this route currently faces at the moment. Read points 3&4. 
 

Facts. I can go on. 
 

[ttc0169]

51 minutes ago, NIRCLASS80 said:

Facts

1. The DD’s will be with us to 2030 
2. They will only ever run on the Belfast to Dublin route
3. The vast majority of service issues since early July have been delayed buses caught up in congestion on the M1 A1 corridor 
4. The number two issue for service delays has been congestion and lost paths on the approach to Connolly

I can never understand the constant negativity towards the DD’s as they are not the biggest issue this route currently faces at the moment. Read points 3&4. 
 

Facts. I can go on. 
 

100% correct Gareth

[Tractionman]

On point 3. I follow Translink on twitter, it's difficult to quantify which is the greater issue, train faults or 'operational reasons', both phrases are used as explanations for delays, someone somewhere will have the figures...

 

[GSR 800]

1 hour ago, NIRCLASS80 said:

Facts

1. The DD’s will be with us to 2030 
2. They will only ever run on the Belfast to Dublin route
3. The vast majority of service issues since early July have been delayed buses caught up in congestion on the M1 A1 corridor 
4. The number two issue for service delays has been congestion and lost paths on the approach to Connolly

I can never understand the constant negativity towards the DD’s as they are not the biggest issue this route currently faces at the moment. Read points 3&4. 
 

Facts. I can go on. 
 

The DDs have a bad rep from their unreliability a year or two back, alongside the preference toward using ICRs for late autumn/early winter. Part of it is just the fact of life of loco hauled v railcars. A railcar with an engine (or two) down can limp home, a loco down and the train needs to be rescued and a loco found at short notice to do so. This was less of an issue when there was locos all around the system, that is not true today. Many a time a 29 is used to haul a Dart up to Fairview!

In terms of comfort, DDs are miles ahead. If the ICRs had seating as comfortable it'd be the cherry on top of what is otherwise IMO an excellent, reliable class. It's agony trying to get comfortable in them! 

 

[Tractionman]

Yes way more comfortable, plus a proper space for bicycles, the times I've turned up at Lanyon and seen a caf on the enterprise my heart sinks... They do nip along though!

[Tractionman]

Existing Enterprise timetable now extends to Sat 5 October...

[Louth]

21 hours ago, NIRCLASS80 said:

Facts

1. The DD’s will be with us to 2030 
2. They will only ever run on the Belfast to Dublin route
3. The vast majority of service issues since early July have been delayed buses caught up in congestion on the M1 A1 corridor 
4. The number two issue for service delays has been congestion and lost paths on the approach to Connolly

I can never understand the constant negativity towards the DD’s as they are not the biggest issue this route currently faces at the moment. Read points 3&4. 
 

Facts. I can go on. 
 

With respect to Point 4, the issue is indeed too many trains and not enough track capacity. With hourly Enterprise services this problem will get worse. DART+ Coastal North will create chaos unless significant upgrades are carried out. Many of you will be aware that the Railway Order consultation phase is currently under way for DART+ and has been extended until 23 October. It is well worth making a submission.  Just in case you haven't the detail these are attached below:

DART+ Coastal North – Railway Order Update.

  

Given your previous correspondence in respect of the DART+ Coastal North project, I wish to inform you of an important update regarding the Railway Order application for this project, which was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on 12^th July last, reference number ABP-320164-24.

 

An error was identified in the pre-application consultation file submitted with the Railway Order application. In compliance with a request from An Bord Pleanála, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) has now submitted a full and complete version of the pre-application consultation file.

 

As you had previously expressed interest in, and submitted correspondence in respect of, the project, we are notifying you of the update to the documentation.

 

The updated file, along with the draft Railway Order and accompanying documentation, will be available for inspection from September 9^th, 2024 to October 23^rd, 2024 on our dedicated project website www.dartcoastalnorthrailwayorder.ie.

 

Additionally, these documents can be inspected free of charge during normal office or opening hours at the following locations:

•                      An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902

•                      Planning Department, Dublin City Council, Civic Office, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, D08 RF3F

•                      Planning Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords, County Dublin, K67 X8Y2

•                      Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 W638

•                      Planning Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, County Meath, C15 Y291

•                      Planning Department, Louth County Council, County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, County Louth, A91 KFW6

•                      Donaghmede Library, Donaghmede Shopping Centre, Grange Road, Dublin 13, D13 XW28

•                      Rush Library, Chapel Green, Rush, County Dublin, K56 ED95

•                      Balbriggan Library, Saint George’s Square, Balbriggan, County Dublin, K32 TW27

•                      Drogheda Library, Stockwell Lane, Drogheda, County Louth, A92 PY20

•                      Iarnród Eireann, Connolly Station, Amiens Street, Dublin 1, D01 V6V6; and

•                      DART+ Coastal North Project Office, CIÉ Inchicore Works, Inchicore Parade, Dublin 8, D08 K6Y3.

In light of this update, the period for public submissions has been extended. Submissions can now be made until October 23rd, 2024. We encourage you to review the updated documentation and provide any comments or questions within this extended period.

 

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the DART+ Coastal North project team at Tel: (01) 233 4515, or through our email address DARTCoastalNorth@irishrail.ie.

[Branchline121]

15 hours ago, Louth said:

With respect to Point 4, the issue is indeed too many trains and not enough track capacity. With hourly Enterprise services this problem will get worse. DART+ Coastal North will create chaos unless significant upgrades are carried out. Many of you will be aware that the Railway Order consultation phase is currently under way for DART+ and has been extended until 23 October. It is well worth making a submission.  Just in case you haven't the detail these are attached below:

DART+ Coastal North – Railway Order Update.

  

Given your previous correspondence in respect of the DART+ Coastal North project, I wish to inform you of an important update regarding the Railway Order application for this project, which was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on 12^th July last, reference number ABP-320164-24.

 

An error was identified in the pre-application consultation file submitted with the Railway Order application. In compliance with a request from An Bord Pleanála, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) has now submitted a full and complete version of the pre-application consultation file.

 

As you had previously expressed interest in, and submitted correspondence in respect of, the project, we are notifying you of the update to the documentation.

 

The updated file, along with the draft Railway Order and accompanying documentation, will be available for inspection from September 9^th, 2024 to October 23^rd, 2024 on our dedicated project website www.dartcoastalnorthrailwayorder.ie.

 

Additionally, these documents can be inspected free of charge during normal office or opening hours at the following locations:

•                      An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902

•                      Planning Department, Dublin City Council, Civic Office, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, D08 RF3F

•                      Planning Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords, County Dublin, K67 X8Y2

•                      Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 W638

•                      Planning Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, County Meath, C15 Y291

•                      Planning Department, Louth County Council, County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, County Louth, A91 KFW6

•                      Donaghmede Library, Donaghmede Shopping Centre, Grange Road, Dublin 13, D13 XW28

•                      Rush Library, Chapel Green, Rush, County Dublin, K56 ED95

•                      Balbriggan Library, Saint George’s Square, Balbriggan, County Dublin, K32 TW27

•                      Drogheda Library, Stockwell Lane, Drogheda, County Louth, A92 PY20

•                      Iarnród Eireann, Connolly Station, Amiens Street, Dublin 1, D01 V6V6; and

•                      DART+ Coastal North Project Office, CIÉ Inchicore Works, Inchicore Parade, Dublin 8, D08 K6Y3.

In light of this update, the period for public submissions has been extended. Submissions can now be made until October 23rd, 2024. We encourage you to review the updated documentation and provide any comments or questions within this extended period.

 

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the DART+ Coastal North project team at Tel: (01) 233 4515, or through our email address DARTCoastalNorth@irishrail.ie.

Interestingly, the All Island Strategic Rail Review suggest only 4 tracking up to Clongriffin, and making a new direct line that follows the M1 for fast services (Enterprise) and rejoins the northern line at Drogheda. I wonder if it would be beneficial to complete that project first?

[jhb171achill]

On 19/9/2024 at 10:01 AM, Branchline121 said:

Interestingly, the All Island Strategic Rail Review suggest only 4 tracking up to Clongriffin, and making a new direct line that follows the M1 for fast services (Enterprise) and rejoins the northern line at Drogheda. I wonder if it would be beneficial to complete that project first?

In all reality, that’s a nonsensical idea via the M1…….

I very much hope to be proved utterly wrong on this, but the more I see of this “review”, the more rooted I believe it is in Cloud Cuckoo Land - or most of it.

[Branchline121]

On 21/9/2024 at 12:50 PM, jhb171achill said:

In all reality, that’s a nonsensical idea via the M1…….

I very much hope to be proved utterly wrong on this, but the more I see of this “review”, the more rooted I believe it is in Cloud Cuckoo Land - or most of it.

It’s a strange idea alright — but I’d hate to see Malahide or the other stations destroyed for quadruple-tracking like they did to all the stations between Heuston and Hazelhatch.

[Colin_McLeod]

On 21/9/2024 at 12:50 PM, jhb171achill said:

In all reality, that’s a nonsensical idea via the M1…….

I very much hope to be proved utterly wrong on this, but the more I see of this “review”, the more rooted I believe it is in Cloud Cuckoo Land - or most of it.

Along the Westlink in Belfast was considered as an option for the cross town rail link with a through station not far from where Grand Central Station is now.

[Mayner]

On 21/9/2024 at 11:50 PM, jhb171achill said:

In all reality, that’s a nonsensical idea via the M1…….

I very much hope to be proved utterly wrong on this, but the more I see of this “review”, the more rooted I believe it is in Cloud Cuckoo Land - or most of it.

An inland Enterprise  route via the M1 (also serving Swords) would make more sense than quadruppling the existing line. More direct than the coastal route less expensive from a civil engineering prespective (no expensive Estuary crossings) and less costy/disruptive demolishing than the large scale demolition of homes and business required to quadrupple the existing right of way. Main reason the M1 took an inland route between Santry and the Border, much cheaper to CPO agricultural land and cross the Boyne west of Drogheda.

Cloud Cuckoo Land unless Ireland is still hoping for the EU to finance its infrastructure over  50 years after it first joined the EEC in the same manner as the EU financed the 1990s upgrade of the Belfast line South of the Border

Edited September 22 by Mayner

[jhb171achill]

Just now, Mayner said:

An inland Enterprise  route via the M1 (also serving Swords) would make more sense than quadruppling the existing line. More direct than the coastal route less expensive from a civil engineering prespective (no expensive Estuary crossings) and less costy/disruptive demolishing than the large scale demolition of homes and business required to quadrupple the existing right of way. Main reason the M1 took an inland route between Santry and the Border, much cheaper to CPO agricultural land and cross the Boyne west of Drogheda.

Cloud Cuckoo Land unless Ireland is still hoping for the EU to finance its infrastructure 50 years after succession in the same manner as the EU financed the 1990s upgrade of the Belfast line South of the Border

Can’t see the same EU money tree growing these days, especially with Ireland’s currently good financial position…

[Horsetan]

26 minutes ago, jhb171achill said:

Can’t see the same EU money tree growing these days, especially with Ireland’s currently good financial position…

Those days are gone. Ireland is in sovereign wealth fund territory now, assuming they don't spend the tax surpluses on bicycle shelters.

EU needs to reserve money for those hoping to join the EU, like Serbia (good luck with that), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania (major cannabis source) etc.

[jhb171achill]

24 minutes ago, Horsetan said:

Those days are gone. Ireland is in sovereign wealth fund territory now, assuming they don't spend the tax surpluses on bicycle shelters.

EU needs to reserve money for those hoping to join the EU, like Serbia (good luck with that), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania (major cannabis source) etc.

I’ve an idea for a bus shelter. It can hold 4-5 bikes, and I can organise the whole thing delivered, no questions asked, for a specially discounted price for IRM readers.

Tarmac included, thanks to an irresistible cash offer from my colleague in Co Limerick.

I can do this for you good folks (but keep it quiet; not the general public), for let’s say €650k. Cash preferable.

My colleagues, Ahern Drumcondra Agencies can supply cash envelopes (brown only) for €50 each. 

3D printed using best materials available.

PM me with orders, and I can do this in Z, N or 00 gauge. 

EM, 0, 1 or G gauge €12.40 extra. 3.5 inch gauge €16 extra.

[airfixfan]

DD set visited GC for the first time yesterday morning. The platform clearances in platforms 5 to 8 were assessed as being too tight for passenger use! The Saga continues

[airfixfan]

231 was the loco with a DD set not cleaned and covered in graffiti!

[Tractionman]

This popped up on my newsfeed 

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/watch-first-enterprise-train-move-29988370

[airfixfan]

Translink cannot give a date yet when they met Irish Rail.yesterday about hourly Enterprise from October 7th. Usually elf and safety unspecified were blamed! Asked for a date Translink.were vague

[airfixfan]

No bus this morning from Belfast to Newry to connect with the first Enterprise to Dublin! Correction the 7.56 from Newry started from Dumdalk today

Edited September 24 by airfixfan

[Louth]

On 22/9/2024 at 11:49 PM, jhb171achill said:

Can’t see the same EU money tree growing these days, especially with Ireland’s currently good financial position…

Unfortunately decisions made over the decades that allowed building up to the boundary of rail lines have resulted in very high costs associated with an increase in track capacity on the Northern line. But we still haven't learned our lesson as witnessed by the construction of a greenway across the Malahide estuary on the piers that were intended for an additional track. 

[Tractionman]

taking the long view, if there is going to be investment on the Belfast-Dublin route, an inland alternative alignment makes good sense, the coastal areas are vulnerable, and if by 2100 we actually do get the new line the last thing we need is for it to then disappear into the Irish Sea...

 

https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/programmes-and-projects/marine-and-coastal-unit/projects/Pages/Coastal-Vulnerability-Index.aspx

Edited September 24 by Tractionman

[airfixfan]

No hourly Enterprise from October 7th. Translink cannot provide enough buses whilst Grand Central cannot accept trains. The Saga continues

[airfixfan]

14.05 Enterprise to Dublin is a 6 car CAF after 206 failed at Grand Central today. Platforms 5 and 6 will.be the Dublin platforms