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Connolly Loop Line, Permanent Way Replacement works

Global Rail Services provided a most compelling offer to Irish Rail and were awarded a €1.1m track renewal contract, to remove and replace 1km of railway track on both the Up and Down lines between Tara St and Connolly Station.

The works were to be completed during restricted working hours – 24/7 possession working – commencing on St Stephens’s day and for 14 consecutive days thereafter throughout the Christmas period.

Having a vastly experienced project engineering team, enabled Global Rail Services to put together a fully planned and detailed methodology to deliver a huge volume of critical infrastructure works, which formed part of Irish Rail’s railway upgrade programme.

With access over ¾ of a mile away from the site and the works limited to a single line for both removal of the old and delivery of the new track materials, Global Rail Services meticulously prepared a detailed hour-by-hour programme for all activities. This included full contingency provision.

With this is mind, early stage preparation works were undertaken to build the track panels in readiness for the works. A bill of materials was also prepared, so that all materials could be delivered, quality checked and stacked ready for the Christmas shutdown.

The works also involved the re-alignment of a bridged line over the centre of Dublin, which required advance notices and planning and also the replacement of curved check rails.

Having a strong in-house capability of 60 track staff provided Irish Rail with the confidence that Global Rail Services were the partner of choice and this proved to be a wise decision.

With strong supply chain partnership with their plant and machinery providers, Global Rail Services provided full project surety, enabling the works to be handed over defect free, on time and to the required budget.

Intercity Railcar Modifications

Irish Rail having purchased a further fleet of 57 Intercity railcars (ICR) formed up by 19 x 3 car sets, which were identical to their existing operational fleet of 177 Class 22000 railcars, sought a partner to modify, test and commission the units for continued and effective service.

The fleet, which was manufactured in South Korea by Hyundai Rotem, was shipped to Ireland in batches.

Having competitively tendered for the works, Global Rail Services were selected as the contractor of choice to undertake all modification and warranty work, inclusive of testing, commissioning and shakedown running, providing a 24-month warranty for their service.

The Works are necessary for the continuous improvement, upkeep, continued reliability and safe operation of these cars, which are currently being used in Irish Rail’s passenger service operations.