Project Specific FAQs

As part of the Railway Order process, in advance of submission of the application, Iarnród Éireann will hold Public Consultations, where the proposed solutions will be presented for review and comment. The public will be invited to make submissions relating to the proposals, the details of which will be outlined in the public consultation documentation. Contact details and the process for making comments will be provided as part of this public consultation. 

The current scope for DART+ Coastal South does not provide for the extension of DART services beyond Greystones. This would require significant additional funding and is not included in Project Ireland 2040. No part of upgrade works For DART+ Coastal South, will in any way preclude future extension of the electrified network.

No, the project does not depend on any other project in order to advance. It will interface with a number of other rail and public transport projects including Bus Connects, MetroLink and other DART+ Projects. The project team is working closely with the relevant agencies in order to ensure that projects are developed consistent with each other.

Construction Phase

In order to maintain services for our customers the day, the majority of the construction works along the railway line itself will take place at night. Works outside of the live railway corridor can progress during the day (i.e. construction of bridges associated with level crossing replacements, substations, construction compounds). Every effort will be made to avoid, reduce, and/or mitigate negative impacts, however, there is likely to be some disturbance experienced for those in close proximity to the railway line caused by noise, lighting or erected fencing/hoarding associated with the construction activities. The types of construction work required at each specific location will determine the type of impact that may affect the area/your property. However, there will be general linear works required, such as:
•    Overhead electrification equipment along the full extent of the railway line from Malahide to Drogheda. This will be similar in style to that currently used on the existing DART network. There may also be modifications to the existing electrification system between Lansdowne and Greystones.  
•    Modifications to the existing rail bridges such as modifications to the structure, track lowering or a combination of both.
•    Substations will be required at intervals along the rail line to provide power to the network.
•    Signalling upgrades and additional signalling will be required as part of the upgraded infrastructure. 
•    New overbridges or underpasses are likely to be provided at locations where level crossings are closed.
Interfaces with existing utilities, roads, boundary treatments, drainage works, vegetation management and other ancillary works will be required. Prior to the commencement of construction works, a dedicated Community Liaison Officer will be appointed to communicate details of all upcoming works and to oversee the implementation of all required mitigation measures, thereby minimising any potential disruption resulting from the works.

Operational Phase

During the operational phase, the sound from trains and levels of greenhouse gas emissions will reduce significantly. At certain locations, existing bridge parapets will be raised to prevent people from accidentally or otherwise falling onto Overhead Line Equipment. All likely significant effects during both the construction and operational phases will be identified and detailed in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. This will include a detailed schedule of mitigation measures identified to reduce those potential effects.

It is not proposed to provide any additional parking facilities at stations as part of DART+ Coastal. However, Iarnród Éireann’s Network Enhancement Division and the National Transport Authority’s Park & Ride Development Office are working on other projects to deliver enhanced parking at stations, for cars and bicycles. This project is being developed in parallel to DART+ Coastal.

A specialist Environmental Impact Assessment team has been engaged as part of the overall Multi-Disciplinary Consultant contract. This team will collaborate with the engineering design team during the design development. The environmental team will contribute in assessing the various project options. Prior to the submission of the Railway Order Application, the design development will also be presented to the public at two public consultation events during the project. This will enable the general public to review and comment on the proposals and provide meaningful feedback on the project, including any environmental issues that they consider important. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be prepared based on the Preliminary Design. The project will also be subject to appropriate assessment consideration, as required under the Habitats Directive.  Therefore, at Railway Order Application stage, the project will have assessed the impact of the project on the environment and will provide avoidance, remedy and mitigation measures to reduce environmental impacts during the construction and operational phases of the project.