The European Union has set aside  €21.5 million to improve cross-border rail services in Ireland.
The majority of the money, €15.2 million, will fund a substantial upgrade of the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise fleet – a programme that will involve a mechanical overhaul, new interiors, a new livery, new passenger information systems and a new CCTV system.
Enterprise services are jointly operated by Northern Ireland’s Translink and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail)in the Republic of Ireland.
The Department for Regional Development (DRD) in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) across the border plan to match the EU funding, which is being provided through the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme.
A further €6 million will be spent refurbishing the Dublin-Belfast line’s Drogheda Viaduct.
