If the 1.6m population increase expected by 2030 were concentrated strictly within a 'penta-zone' linking Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo and Belfast, it could support high-speed trains, similar to those currently in Denmark, that would 'shrink' Ireland - travel time from Dublin to Sligo would go from 3h20m to 48 minutes!

The Republic of Ireland is projected to grow by 1.6 million people in the period 2005-2030. This is an increase of almost 25% on the current population. While this may represent a significant change, Ireland is not densely populated by European standards. In fact the lack of substantial population density may be the biggest challenge to development and growth, as the critical mass required to support an integrated, efficient infrastructure as an alternative to the motorcar is still not available. Our project investigates strategies for the distribution of the new population that could support alternative high-speed infrastructure systems.

Henchion+Reuter Architects
Irish Architecture Foundation