Irish Rail has published a draft timetable for the new services linking Dublin’s two largest train stations through the Phoenix Park tunnel.

The  €13.7 million project will allow Kildare commuters to reach Connolly and other stations further into the city centre, rather than getting off at Heuston.  

Trains will be able to pass through the 139-year-old railway tunnel, which has long been closed to regular passenger services, from this autumn.

The upgrade will see new services operate from Newbridge and Hazelhatch to Grand Canal Dock, via the Phoenix Park tunnel, Drumcondra, Connolly, Tara St and Pearse stations.

Members of the public have until September 19th to submit feedback on the provisional schedule for the new services.

The proposed changes include seven new morning peak services from Newbridge or Hazelhatch to Grand Canal Dock, as well as eight new evening peak trains from Grand Canal Dock to the two Kildare stations.

The tunnel services are expected to be expanded to off-peak and weekends at a future date, with Irish Rail saying its initial focus is on increasing service levels and capacity for weekday passengers.

The company's CEO, David Franks, said: "We are looking forward to delivering better services for commuters with the introduction of new services via the Phoenix Park tunnel.

"This will allow thousands more commuters daily switch to rail, and deliver a new direct rail connection from stations between Newbridge and ParkWest to stations such as Drumcondra, Connolly, Tara St, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock.

"However, firstly, and most importantly, we want customers to examine the initial schedules proposed, to give us their feedback, so we can ensure we meet their expectations as much as possible."

Draft timetables and feedback forms are available online at www.irishrail.ie.