News Release: An Bord Pleanála approves DART+ South West Railway Order
An Bord Pleanála have approved the Railway Order application to extend the electrified DART network from Hazelhatch & Celbridge to Heuston Station and the South city via Phoenix Park Tunnel. The application was lodged in March 2023.
Project will quadruple customer capacity and deliver electrification of route from Hazelhatch & Celbridge to Heuston and South City via Phoenix Park Tunnel
An Bord Pleanála have approved the Railway Order application to extend the electrified DART network from Hazelhatch & Celbridge to Heuston Station and the South city via Phoenix Park Tunnel. The application was lodged in May 2023.
DART+ South West will provide a greatly enhanced and more sustainable transport option for communities in Hazelhatch & Celbridge, Adamstown, Clondalkin & Fonthill, Parkwest & Cherry Orchard, Drumcondra and at a new station at Heuston West. This will be achieved through infrastructure works resulting in higher frequencies and electrification, and new trains, to increase passenger capacity from the current 5,000 to 20,000 per hour per direction. The DART+ Programme is a key element of the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, 2022-2042. DART+ will facilitate sustainable mobility and development to enhance quality of life in our capital and its surrounding counties, through a series of fleet and infrastructure projects. The DART+ Programme is being delivered by Iarnród Éireann on behalf of NTA.
The planned infrastructure improvements include:
- 20km of electrification and re-signaling of the Hazelhatch & Celbridge Line to Heuston and the south city via Phoenix Park Tunnel.
- Construction of a new station at Heuston West to serve the community of Clancy Quay and Island Bridge.
- Four-tracking of the rail line from Park West & Cherry Orchard Station to Heuston to enhance capacity.
- All civil, bridge and ancillary works as necessary to accommodate the project.
- Upgrading of the Phoenix Park Tunnel.
- New electric DART carriages for the DART+ Programme will be deployed on Hazelhatch & Celbridge services.
The procurement process will now commence for the construction stage contracts. Subject to funding being allocated it is anticipated that construction will commence in 2026.
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade said: “Today is a great day for the communities of North Kildare and South Dublin, the provision of DART services will transform commuting for the existing and new communities along this railway corridor. It will make travelling with us more sustainable, more frequent and more reliable. This is the second DART+ project to receive planning. DART+ West Railway Order was granted in July of this year. DART+ Coastal North Railway Order Application was lodged last September & South will follow. The DART+ programme, when delivered will truly revolutionize commuting in the Greater Dublin Area and assist in meeting Ireland’s climate action targets by reducing reliance on the private car and providing sustainable high frequency, high capacity transport”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “When we invest in transport infrastructure, we are investing in the future of Irish communities and their ability to access dependable, sustainable public transport alternatives. The Railway Order approval by An Bord Pleanala today for DART+ South West marks a significant milestone for the communities that will be served by this improved service, as it will bring increased passenger capacity, higher frequency services, and ultimately a more sustainable, accessible, and reliable rail service to the region.
“NTA looks forward to continuing to work with Iarnrod Éireann in delivering this key piece of transport infrastructure.”
Please see link to decision here 316119 | An Bord Pleanála