Trade

Dublin Port and Irish Rail in stand-off over road-building plans

Train operator’s fears dismissed by engineers after claims new roads would block future freight access to docks

An empty freight train, having discharged its load of ore in Dublin Port, heads along Alexandra Road, over East Wall Road into the Irish Rail North Wall Yard before heading back to Tara Mines, in Co Meath. Picture: Kevin Horgan

Irish Rail has clashed with Dublin Port over plans to build new roads to increase capacity which the rail operator claims would “permanently” cut off its access to the trading port.

The port operator lodged plans last year to construct several new roads and increase capacity for heavy goods vehicles to provide a more direct route in and out of Dublin Port.

The redevelopment also includes the retention of an existing road constructed in 2019 ...