Iarnród Éireann has released details of its contigency plans for passengers following the collapse of a bridge in north Dublin.
About 20 metres of the viaduct over the Broadmeadow estuary between Malahide and Donabate in north Co Dublin collapsed shortly after 6pm on Friday.
The subsidence began as a train from Balbriggan to Connolly station passed over the viaduct. There were up to 50 passengers on board at the time.
The company said last night the bridge would not reopen for at least three months and it will be carrying out a full inquiry into the incident.
The rail accident investigation unit of the Department of Transport will also carry out an independent inquiry.
The Construction Industry Federation today called for all railway bridges across the country to be assessed.
"Most of these bridges were built in the nineteenth century. It's the second sudden collapse that we've had in recent years," CIF director of tendering and contracting Don O'Sullivan told RTÉ. "The bridges need to be thoroughly assessed. Where necessary, there needs to be a bridge-strengthening and reconstruction programme undertaken."
Northern rail commuter services, which are used by over 20,000 people each day, have been seriously disrupted.
Iarnród Éireann said this afternoon that a limited shuttle rail service will operate 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 Éireann services.
Dublin Bus 33 route will serve the Balbriggan, Skerries and Rush & Lusk areas, while a peak-time Route 33B service will operate directly between Donabate station and Dublin city centre.
There will be a bus transfer between Dublin Connolly and Drogheda. Rail tickets will be accepted on these buses.
Belfast Enterprise services will operate only between Belfast and Drogheda but Dart services between Malahide and Howth Junction are running normally.
For more details, see www.irishrail.ie