Irish Rail to bring “added cheer” to morning commuters from tomorrow

Irish Rail will make your wait for a train a lot more soothing from tomorrow by playing birdsong from PA systems across the country.

The public art project, called On Chorus, is a collaboration with sound artist Christopher Steenson and will use train station PA systems to play the sound of birdsong from 8am until 9am every morning until November 29.

On Chorus highlights the dramatic reduction in noise pollution in Ireland during Covid-19 and the sounds that commuters will hear were recorded by Christopher in inner city Dublin during the first lockdown back in the spring. During this time, the usual sounds of planes, trains and automobiles were replaced by clear and uninterrupted birdsong and the project aims to create “a new sense of connection with our present moment as we all acclimatise to the ‘new normal’ of the Covid-19 climate.”

As well as train stations, On Chorus will also be available to listen to via this website between 8 and 9am for people who are self-isolating or unable to travel.

Speaking about the project, Irish Rail’s Environmental Executive Emer Bambrick said: “We are delighted to collaborate with On Chorus to deliver this unique project which will broadcast the soothing sounds of biodiversity to our passengers in stations across the country this winter.”

Currently, public transport is reserved for essential workers as part of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.

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