Project Specific FAQs

DART+ Coastal will increase the potential frequency of DART services between Grand Canal Dock and Bray from eight trains per hour per direction to 12 trains per hour per direction. It is anticipated that this will increase level crossing closure times significantly. Increased level crossing closures will have a negative impact on road users, therefore it may be necessary for the project to provide a sufficient level of alternative separated crossings for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Modelling work will determine the full impact on the level crossing closure times and if required the design process will determine the necessary replacement infrastructure for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. 

Detailed route modelling work and the design of infrastructure enhancements are commencing and will be developed as part of the Concept Phase. This information will be presented as part of the Public Consultation Process.

In general, the track layout along the route will remain predominantly unaltered, therefore trains will be no closer to property boundaries than at present. There may be track changes at specific locations such as at turnback facilities (Howth Junction, Clongriffin, Malahide, Drogheda, Bray and Greystones). The design development is currently in progress and any changes to infrastructure at specific locations or areas will be identified during this process and will be presented during the public consultation process. 
 

Railway Order application is broadly similar to the planning application process. The project is categorised as Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) and Iarnród Éireann applies directly to An Bord Pleanála for permission. The Railway Order application process is set out in the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 as amended by the Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006. Following two phases of public consultation, Iarnród Éireann will submit the Railway Order application. Any person or body may make a submission or observation in writing to An Bord Pleanála in relation to the application and / or the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. The Railway Order application will include a number of technical documents and project drawings and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report. All of these documents and drawings together with any feedback/submissions received from the public as part of the statutory public consultation process will be reviewed and considered by An Bord Pleanála before a decision on the application is made. We expect that An Bord Pleanála will conduct an Oral Hearing before they make a decision. At an Oral Hearing the authors of relevant reports and experts will give evidence on the submissions received and will be available for questioning. Further information on making a submission / observation in writing to the Board and Oral Hearing procedures are available from the  An Bord Pleanála website.
 

The project will provide an increase in capacity from two to three DART services per hour per direction between Bray and Greystones. 

The capacity increase will be achieved through modifications to the railway infrastructure including track work, removing of rail/road interface constraints, signalling and overhead power supply changes.