THERE ARE MAJOR disruptions to train timetables this weekend due to the Bank Holiday weekend.

The route closures come as the National Emergency Coordination Group says severe weather and flooding may impact scheduled transport services, and disruption to essential services is likely.

There are currently no rain warnings in place for this weekend, but the rain is set to persist, adding to already high river levels and saturated ground.

Met Éireann warned that this is likely to lead to localised flooding, river flooding and difficult travelling conditions. 

Separately, Iarnród Éireann is to carry out scheduled works on tracks and overhead lines in several places from today, 31 January through to 2 February.

The routes suspended include Connolly Station to Drogheda, as well as DART services north of Connolly, to Howth and Malahide.

Dublin Bus and GoAhead will accept rail tickets for affected services. 

Belfast Enterprise services will also be affected.

Track renewal works between Portarlington and Athlone will affect journeys between Dublin Heuston and Galway/Westport all weekend. Bus transfers will operate between Heuston and Athlone on Heuston to Galway and Westport/Ballina routes.

Cork commuter trains will also be affected.

Today, the Thurles to Cork/Tralee route will be suspended.

On Sunday and Monday, the Charleville to Cork/Tralee route will be suspended.

The Cork to Cobh/Midleton route will be suspended for the whole weekend, including Monday.

During the bridge renewal and resignalling works on Cork routes, Iarnród Éireann has organised:

• Bus transfers on Cork to Cobh/Midleton/Mallow Commuter services across the full weekend
• Bus transfers between Thurles and Cork/Kerry today
• Bus transfers between Charleville and Cork/Kerry on Sunday and Monday

Customers are advised to check times before travelling this weekend. You can go to www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app for the latest.

Additionally, commuters using buses instead of trains should double check with their council to make sure roads aren’t closed due to flooding.

Iarnród Éireann advised pre-booking for Intercity travel, particularly at the busiest times.