Planning the Irish transport network: Parallels in nineteenth- and twentieth-century proposals

Abstract

The second report of the Irish Railway Commission, 1836-38, proposed the development, under some form of strong state direction, of a modest railway system to link only the main towns with Dublin. A much more elaborate network was subsequently created under private enterprise. Since the 1920s, however, there have been many closures. There has also been greater state involvement. The network shape has contracted towards that originally proposed.

The basic factors influencing the shape of the network have changed little since 1838. Particularly important are the continuing lack of large inland centres, and the limited volume of internal trade. The result is that modern studies, such as those of McKinscy on railways and Buchanan on roads, discuss problems and offer solutions similar to those advanced by the Railway Commission over a century earlier. The possible impact of major transport improvements on Dublin and the Irish space economy in general is considered briefly in relation to current, past, and future changes.