Electrify the whole Northern Ireland rail network

[175mph]

As the title suggests. I know new rolling stock would be required as well in order to make use of the electrification considering the lack of electrification on their rail network, but apart from the costs involved, are there any significant hurdles to overcome to achieve this, if it was to ever happen?

 

[adamedwards]

Reguaged and refurbished 321s?. The fun issue is then voltage as IE lines in Belfast are 1500 DC. Change over at the border along with post Brexit customs?

 

[edwin_m]

Reguaged and refurbished 321s?. The fun issue is then voltage as IE lines in Belfast are 1500 DC. Change over at the border along with post Brexit customs?

I think you mean Dublin. But new work there is supposed to provide clearances for 25kV so it's in their thinking somewhere.

 

[hexagon789]

As the title suggests. I know new rolling stock would be required as well in order to make use of the electrification considering the lack of electrification on their rail network, but apart from the costs involved, are there any significant hurdles to overcome to achieve this, if it was to ever happen?

It was proposed many years ago, but at the time there were other more pressing matters so the idea was shelved. Nevertheless I can see it happening, the system is being continually modernised and upgraded now, is in a better state than its been for decades, and is now very reliable. ISTR Translink NIR now records excellent punctuality figures and passenger levels are at the highest ever in the history of NIR.

Electrification is certainly a logical step to take, the only other infrastructure related matters I can think of are the Great Victoria Street upgrades to allow The Enterprise to run to there instead of Lanyon Place and the potential re-opening of the Lisburn-Antrim line which has been talked about for years.

 

[adamedwards]

I think you mean Dublin. But new work there is supposed to provide clearances for 25kV so it's in their thinking somewhere.

Yes Dublin. Oops!