25/06/2026
Taoiseach Announces €230m Shared Island Funding to Enhance All-Island Rail Links
The Taoiseach has announced a €230 million investment from the Shared Island Fund to upgrade and enhance rail infrastructure across the island of Ireland.
The major funding package allocates approximately €100 million for critical track renewal projects on the Dublin–Belfast and Belfast–Derry routes. A further €93 million has been earmarked for the DART+ Coastal North initiative, while €34.5 million will be used to support the ongoing delivery of an hourly Enterprise service operating between Dublin and Belfast.
The cross-border transport investment has been welcomed by authorities north and south, with Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins TD highlighting the positive implications for regional connectivity and the all-island economy.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "This is superb news for the future of rail on this island particularly so for the Derry to - Belfast and Belfast to Dublin routes. The investment in rail, through the Shared Island Fund, will accelerate improvements on the Derry-Belfast and Belfast-Dublin lines, strengthening regional balance and connectivity.
"This investment will pave the way for faster journeys and greater reliability for services between Dublin, Belfast and the North-West – delivering a more cohesive rail network, connecting communities and boosting the thriving all-island economy.
"Following on from the €700million investment announced last month by the Irish Government, my Department and the PEACEPLUS programme, for new trains on the Belfast to Dublin route, this is a further positive development for the future of rail, and a total of almost one billion euros to be invested in rail, connecting communities right across the island."
Concurrently, Ireland's Department of Transport and the North's Department for Infrastructure will continue to progress the initial phases of the Major Project Interventions identified under the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. These works will be advanced in a coordinated manner on cross-border routes, subject to standard funding allocations within each administration.
The major funding package allocates approximately €100 million for critical track renewal projects on the Dublin–Belfast and Belfast–Derry routes. A further €93 million has been earmarked for the DART+ Coastal North initiative, while €34.5 million will be used to support the ongoing delivery of an hourly Enterprise service operating between Dublin and Belfast.
The cross-border transport investment has been welcomed by authorities north and south, with Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins TD highlighting the positive implications for regional connectivity and the all-island economy.
"This investment will pave the way for faster journeys and greater reliability for services between Dublin, Belfast and the North-West – delivering a more cohesive rail network, connecting communities and boosting the thriving all-island economy.
"Following on from the €700million investment announced last month by the Irish Government, my Department and the PEACEPLUS programme, for new trains on the Belfast to Dublin route, this is a further positive development for the future of rail, and a total of almost one billion euros to be invested in rail, connecting communities right across the island."
Concurrently, Ireland's Department of Transport and the North's Department for Infrastructure will continue to progress the initial phases of the Major Project Interventions identified under the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. These works will be advanced in a coordinated manner on cross-border routes, subject to standard funding allocations within each administration.
Latest Irish News
25 June 2026
Taoiseach Announces €230m Shared Island Funding to Enhance All-Island Rail Links
The Taoiseach has announced a €230 million investment from the Shared Island Fund to upgrade and enhance rail infrastructure across the island of Ireland. The major funding package allocates approximately €100 million for critical track renewal projects on the Dublin–Belfast and Belfast–Derry routes.
Taoiseach Announces €230m Shared Island Funding to Enhance All-Island Rail Links
The Taoiseach has announced a €230 million investment from the Shared Island Fund to upgrade and enhance rail infrastructure across the island of Ireland. The major funding package allocates approximately €100 million for critical track renewal projects on the Dublin–Belfast and Belfast–Derry routes.
25 June 2026
Minister for Older People Issues Urgent Advice to Stay Safe During Heatwave
The Minister for Older People, Kieran O'Donnell TD, has advised older people across the country to avoid direct sunlight and maintain proper hydration to stay safe during the current period of hot weather in Ireland.
Minister for Older People Issues Urgent Advice to Stay Safe During Heatwave
The Minister for Older People, Kieran O'Donnell TD, has advised older people across the country to avoid direct sunlight and maintain proper hydration to stay safe during the current period of hot weather in Ireland.
25 June 2026
Doherty Urges Government To Halt August Fuel Price Rises After Finance Bill Vote
Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Government to urgently intervene to prevent petrol and diesel price increases due on 1 August, arguing the move will further strain already stretched household budgets.
Doherty Urges Government To Halt August Fuel Price Rises After Finance Bill Vote
Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Government to urgently intervene to prevent petrol and diesel price increases due on 1 August, arguing the move will further strain already stretched household budgets.
24 June 2026
Social Democrats Call For Decriminalisation Of Personal Drug Possession
Personal possession of drugs for one's own use should no longer be handled as a criminal justice issue but through health services, the Social Democrats have said, with justice spokesperson Gary Gannon calling for the Government to act on new recommendations.
Social Democrats Call For Decriminalisation Of Personal Drug Possession
Personal possession of drugs for one's own use should no longer be handled as a criminal justice issue but through health services, the Social Democrats have said, with justice spokesperson Gary Gannon calling for the Government to act on new recommendations.
24 June 2026
Funding Approved for New 13-Unit Domestic Violence Refuge in Tralee
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, alongside the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan TD, have announced funding approval for the construction of a new domestic violence refuge in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
Funding Approved for New 13-Unit Domestic Violence Refuge in Tralee
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, alongside the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan TD, have announced funding approval for the construction of a new domestic violence refuge in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
24 June 2026
Eight Appears in Court Following Major Trans-National Organised Crime Operation
As part of Operation Tara, an ongoing investigation targeting organised crime, eight individuals are appearing before various court sittings across Ireland today following a series of coordinated arrests.
Eight Appears in Court Following Major Trans-National Organised Crime Operation
As part of Operation Tara, an ongoing investigation targeting organised crime, eight individuals are appearing before various court sittings across Ireland today following a series of coordinated arrests.
23 June 2026
Twilight Thursdays Back In Limerick On 25 June With Late-Night Line-Up
Limerick City and County Council is inviting locals and visitors to enjoy another lively evening in the city as Twilight Thursdays returns on Thursday 25 June, making the most of the long midsummer daylight.
Twilight Thursdays Back In Limerick On 25 June With Late-Night Line-Up
Limerick City and County Council is inviting locals and visitors to enjoy another lively evening in the city as Twilight Thursdays returns on Thursday 25 June, making the most of the long midsummer daylight.
23 June 2026
Dublin City Council Unveils Free 'We Love July' 2026 Programme
Dublin City Council is inviting people of all ages to take part in Dublin City Council We Love July 2026, a month-long programme of free, family-friendly activities showcasing the capital’s imagination, heritage and community spirit.
Dublin City Council Unveils Free 'We Love July' 2026 Programme
Dublin City Council is inviting people of all ages to take part in Dublin City Council We Love July 2026, a month-long programme of free, family-friendly activities showcasing the capital’s imagination, heritage and community spirit.
23 June 2026
Garda Officer Injured After Patrol Car Rammed in Glanmire
Gardaí in Glanmire responded to reports of a stolen vehicle at an industrial estate in Glanmire on Monday afternoon, 22 June 2026, at approximately 2.20pm. Upon arriving at the location, the occupants of the stolen vehicle rammed an official Garda patrol car. A female Garda member sustained injuries during the ramming incident.
Garda Officer Injured After Patrol Car Rammed in Glanmire
Gardaí in Glanmire responded to reports of a stolen vehicle at an industrial estate in Glanmire on Monday afternoon, 22 June 2026, at approximately 2.20pm. Upon arriving at the location, the occupants of the stolen vehicle rammed an official Garda patrol car. A female Garda member sustained injuries during the ramming incident.
22 June 2026
Sinn Féin President Reacts to Resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has stated that the announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's intention to resign offers a chance to progress British and Irish relations in a positive manner.
Sinn Féin President Reacts to Resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has stated that the announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's intention to resign offers a chance to progress British and Irish relations in a positive manner.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Another mainly dry day with some long spells of hot or very hot sunshine, although coasts a little cooler with onshore breezes developing. Risk of the odd shower developing later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 29 °C.Tonight:A largely fine end to the day with some late sunshine but an increasing risk of showers overnight, perhaps occasionally heavy and thundery towards the end of the night. Minimum temperature 13 °C.