Irish Rail wants the Government to give it 300 million Euro to bring train passengers directly to Dublin airport.
It says the cost will cover new tracks for intercity trains from Cork, Galway and Belfast.
Chief Executive, David Franks, says the plan would open the entire rail network to air passengers, boost tourism and could be built in less than five years.
The proposal is still awaiting Government approval.
Paul Melia - Environment Correspondent for the Irish Independent - says a number of steps need to be taken to ensure it happens:
