Rail bridge collapses in Malahide

Rail commuters face major disruption tonight and over the coming weeks following the collapse of part of the Dublin to Belfast rail line this evening.

Shortly after 6pm a 20 metre section of the viaduct spanning Broadmeadow estuary, north of Malahide, collapsed.

Early indications appear to point to subsidence under the track however, a full investigation is underway.

Iarnród Éireann warns that all Northern commuter services are suspended until further notice and customers are advised to travel by bus.

A shuttle rail service is currently operating between Drogheda and Skerries only.

Customers travelling between Dublin city and all stations north of Malahide are advised to travel by Dublin Bus or Bus Eireann services. Belfast Enterprise services will operate with train services between Belfast and Drogheda followed by bus transfers between Drogheda and Connolly.

A spokesman for Iarnród Éireann apologised for the inconvenience and said the disruption is expected to continue for a “significant period of time”.

The company later said the line is not expected to open for several weeks.