Lavistown loop line

52°38′13″N 7°11′20″W / 52.637°N 7.189°W / 52.637; -7.189

Lavistown Loop Line
Overview
StatusOperational
OwnerIarnród Éireann
LocaleMaddockstown, County Kilkenny
Termini
  • Dublin Heuston – Kilkenny
  • Kilkenny – Waterford
Stations0
Service
TypeHeavy rail
Rolling stock22000 Class
071 Class
201 Class
History
Opened25 March 1996
Technical
Line length.56 mi (0.90 km)
Number of tracks1
Track gauge1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Operating speed25[1] mph (40 km/h)

The Lavistown Loop Line provides an important function in transporting freight and timber liner trains on the Dublin–Waterford line. Before the loop was constructed, freight and timber liner trains would have to turn around at Kilkenny railway station to continue on to their destination in Sallypark, near Waterford. Approval for construction was given by Minister Brian Cowen on 2 December 1994.[2] Non-passenger trains such as the "DFDS Freight Train" from Ballina–Waterford avoid Kilkenny by using the Lavistown Loop Line which joins both lines going to Kilkenny.[3] The loop has allowed Irish Rail to run a daily morning limited stop service between Waterford and Heuston departing Waterford at 07.10 and arriving Heuston at 09.01.[4][5]

  1. ^ Reidy, Michael (30 October 2021). Network Statement (PDF) (2022 ed.). Irish Rail. p. 72. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  2. ^ Cowen, Brian (2 December 1994). "S.I. No. 404/1994 - Transport Act, 1963 (Railway Works) Order, 1994". Irish Statute Book. Government of Ireland. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  3. ^ Dunne, Christopher (4 October 2021). "Thinking green! Rail freight comeback on the cards as new service launches from Kilkenny". Kilkenny People. Iconic Media. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  4. ^ "Irish Railway Record Society". Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Irish Rail GM 071 class no. 083 at Lavistown Junction". www.hidden-dublin.com. Retrieved 20 December 2017.