The Phoenix Park rail tunnel has reopened to commuters this morning for the first time in over a hundred years.
The tunnel which runs under the Phoenix park will provide peak services for commuters travelling between Newbridge and Grand Canal Dock. It cost €13.7m to upgrade the tunnel.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD said “I’m delighted to announce the opening of this key piece of our public transport service. The Phoenix Part tunnel line is a vital part of our rail infrastructure and I know that it will prove to be of immense benefit to the travelling public, as will other transport projects such as the Luas Cross City line which will open in 2017.
“As Minister for Transport I am very proud to be one of the first commuters to travel this line and I heartily encourage others to do so.”
David Franks, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive, said “we’re delighted to welcome new and existing customers to the new services launched today via the Phoenix Park Tunnel line.
“By offering direct connections from stations between Newbridge and Parkwest to the south city business district, which were not previously available by public transport, we will encourage more commuters to switch from our congested roads to a fast and efficient rail transport alternative.”