Iarnród Éireann has signed a contract with engineering firms Jacobs and AECOM to advance plans for a major upgrade of the railway between Limerick Colbert and Limerick Junction.
The project will see preliminary designs developed and a planning application prepared for improvements along the approximately 34km route.
The proposed works include 26km of double tracking, upgrades to signalling infrastructure, bridges and drainage, and improvements to level crossings.
Iarnród Éireann said the additional infrastructure would allow more frequent services and improve journey times.
The company is working towards submitting a planning application in 2027, with construction to follow.
Increased services on the line are expected to begin operating from 2032.
Jacobs and AECOM have been appointed as the design team, building on feasibility and options-selection work already completed. Their role will include developing the designs, preparing business cases and progressing the project through the planning process.
Ground investigation surveys are currently under way to inform the next phase of design work.
Iarnród Éireann chief executive Mary Considine signed the contract in Limerick today with representatives of the joint venture.
She said the project would help provide more services and improve journey times for rail passengers in the Limerick area.
The announcement comes as test trains begin operating on the reinstated Limerick to Foynes Freight Line. Tender documents for platform extensions between Limerick and Athenry were also published earlier this week.
The Limerick Colbert to Limerick Junction project is being funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.
