Works to repair the Belfast to Dublin rail line could take up to six months, NI Rail (NIR) has said.

Engineers will be tasked to fix the Malahide viaduct after a section of the bridge collapsed into the sea last Friday.

Iarnród Éireann estimated this part of the scheme alone could take three months.

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However, NIR General Manager Mal McGreevy has revealed the work may not be completed until 2010.

Mr McGreevy also indicated the repairs could take twice as long to finish.

NIR later said both estimations were speculative as it will take Iarnród Éireann several weeks to draw up a full reconstruction plan timeframe.

Meanwhile, bus transfers remain in place for commuters heading into Connolly Station on the line.

(PR/GK)