IR suffers snow shutdown
FEBRUARY 27 marked the start of a period of severe winter weather which affected most of the Republic of Ireland. Prolonged snowfalls and high winds – thanks to the ‘Beast from the East’ and subsequently Storm Emma – saw all forms of transport experience difficulties.
Most freight traffic was cancelled on and from February 28. An additional problem was the closure of the Dublin to Rosslare Europort line between Dublin Pearse/Grand Canal Dock and Bray because of tidal flooding in the Sidney Parade to Dun Laoghaire section. This line was also blocked in the Kilcoole area between Greystones and Wicklow after sea defences were breached and the single track was covered with rocks and other debris.
On March 1, as the weather deteriorated further with snow blocking pointwork and drifting snow being widespread, Irish Rail decided to cancel services. For example the last trains to operate between Dublin Heuston and Cork that day were the 12.00 ex-Heuston and 11.25 ex-Cork. The final through trains on the cross-border route were the 13.20 Connolly to Belfast and 14.05 Belfast to Connolly – however, Northern
