Ireland’s DART+ Coastal North: Rail Capacity Boost, Sustainable Transport

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Introduction

An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved the Railway Order application for the DART+ Coastal North project, which will extend the electrified DART network from Malahide to Drogheda. The application, lodged in July 2024, is part of Project Ireland 2040 and is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Project Overview

The DART+ Coastal North project aims to nearly double capacity on the Northern commuter route. Peak hourly capacity in each direction will increase from around 4,800 to 8,800 passengers upon completion. The enhanced services, subject to demand, will be determined through a future timetable consultation with the NTA.

Iarnród Éireann Statement

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, stated that the provision of DART services will transform commuting for communities along the railway corridor. He added that this is the third DART+ project to receive planning approval and will assist in meeting Ireland’s climate action targets.

Infrastructure Improvements and Timeline

The DART+ Coastal North project will involve a comprehensive package of infrastructure improvements. Procurement will begin for a design-and-build contractor. Following the contract award, a detailed design phase will commence before construction. The construction phase is expected to take around three years, subject to funding allocation.

Stakeholder Reactions

Hugh Creegan, Deputy CEO of the NTA, welcomed the approval, emphasizing the project’s impact on connecting communities with sustainable transport and reducing car dependency. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien also welcomed the decision, highlighting the improvement in train capacity and frequency on the Northern commuter line. He also looked forward to the launch of the new DART+ battery-electric train fleet, which will initially be deployed on the Northern line between Dublin and Drogheda.

Conclusion

The DART+ Coastal North project, approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála, will extend the electrified DART network from Malahide to Drogheda. The project aims to increase capacity on the Northern commuter route and is part of Project Ireland 2040. The project is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is expected to take around three years to construct.

Company Summary

An Coimisiún Pleanála: Approved the Railway Order application for the DART+ Coastal North project.

Iarnród Éireann: Chief Executive Jim Meade commented on the project’s impact.

National Transport Authority (NTA): Responsible for funding and future timetable consultation for the project.

Department of Transport: Funds the project through the NTA.

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