New DART lines linking the tram service with west Dublin are now likely to commence construction in 2024.
The DART+ West project will see the electrified DART line move out of Dublin as far as Maynooth and the M3 parkway in Co. Meath. Construction is estimated to begin in 2024 and be fully completed by 2029, and the scheme anticipates passenger capacity to increase by 160 per cent on the DART.
A new station would also be built at Spencer Dock under the plans in order to allow passengers to connect easily with the Luas Red Line, and Connolly Station would also be developed to accommodate the project. Officials have said the initiative will “revolutionise” transport across the Greater Dublin Area in the years to come.
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DART services came under fire yesterday after passengers travelling to the Bray Air Show broke out of carriages onto the rail tracks due to extreme heat onboard. Irish Rail released a statement following the incident warning against the dangers of breaking out of carriages but apologised for the distress caused to commuters.
Six level crossings would have to close as a result of the expansion. Iarnroid Eireann confirmed that land owners affected by the proposal will be contacted directly as part of the Railway Order Application. The transport authority added that alternative access for pedestrians and cyclists affected by construction would be provided.
The company will lodge a Railway Order application this Friday and a public consultation process on the move will open in August, where people are invited to share their insights on the potential expansion. The plans will then be subject to review from An Bord Pleanala who will discuss funding the project.
NTA CEO Anne Graham said: “Thanks to DART+, passenger capacity and service frequency will be vastly improved for people across the rail network in the Greater Dublin Area over the coming years. DART+ will allow more people to make sustainable travel choices and will contribute to reducing our emissions by providing a reliable alternative to the private car."
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