The revised schedule includes fifteen daily trains in each direction from Monday to Saturday, connecting Belfast’s new Grand Central Station with Dublin’s Connolly Station—up from the previous eight services.
This increase in the Enterprise service frequency has been enabled by a €25 million (£20 million) investment from the government.
From today: new hourly Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central service begins, jointly with @Translink_NI - now 15 trains each way (Mon to Sat) between the two cities, 8 each way Sundays.
— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) October 29, 2024
The first 05:50hrs Dublin to Belfast is en route! @TFIupdates @Dept_Transport pic.twitter.com/RgZIS6bFxr
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan described the new hourly service as a key step in the transformation of rail connectivity across the island. “I am delighted to see the launch of hourly service on the Dublin-Belfast line,” he said. “This goal has been a priority for both jurisdictions, and both Iarnrod Eireann and Translink have worked hard to make it a reality.”
Ryan added that doubling the frequency enhances sustainable transport between the island’s two largest cities. “This will encourage more people to choose rail and will strengthen both economic and social ties along the route,” he said. “This is the beginning of our all-island rail transformation.”
Stormont’s Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd, noted that the expanded service provides new opportunities for job growth, development, and access to essential services. “Increasing the frequency of the Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin boosts public transport, benefits the economy, and strengthens connections along the north-south rail corridor,” he said.
O’Dowd added that an enhanced rail network would support decarbonisation and encourage more people to shift to public transport. He expressed hope for a future where more people, especially those in rural areas, will have improved access to rail travel.