Mott MacDonald appointed to lead Ireland’s CONNECT rail project

Mott MacDonald has been selected by Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) to lead the nationwide CONNECT rail programme, designed to modernise intercity rail infrastructure and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero‑carbon transport.

image: Mott MacDonald

Under the terms of the appointment, Mott MacDonald will develop a comprehensive implementation strategy and decarbonisation roadmap, beginning with detailed technical studies, stakeholder engagement and planning for upgrades on the Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick corridors. The project aims to deliver faster, more frequent, and sustainable rail services while reducing carbon emissions.

Tony O’Toole, Managing Director for Rail – UK & Europe at Mott MacDonald, commented, “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.”

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Irish Rail, added that CONNECT represents a major EU-and government-backed investment in rail as “the backbone of a sustainable transport system for Ireland’s citizens.”

Early findings from the project indicate potential reductions of up to 30 minutes on key intercity routes, enabled by infrastructure upgrades and line-speed increases up to 200 km/h – aiming to significantly shorten travel times between Ireland’s major cities once fully implemented.

The CONNECT programme aligns with Ireland’s broader decarbonisation and transport‑modernisation goals under the national RAIL2050 strategy, supported by funding from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility and the country’s National Development Plan.