Frequently Asked Questions

It is important to note that the DART+ Coastal North Project scope includes the construction of infrastructure to enable a planned increase in service, capacity and frequency on the Northern Line, inclusive of the Howth Branch Line. The development of timetables will progress separately to the DART+ Coastal North Project under the responsibility of Iarnrod Éireann Operations Division. 

The development of service timetabling is an entirely operational procedure, which will be carried out separately to this DART+ Coastal North Project. Future timetables will be directly determined by future passenger demand. 

Every substantial timetable change goes through a public consultation process of its own, organised by the NTA, known as the Timetable Customer Consultation Process. Iarnród Éireann are required by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to publish timetable proposals online for customers to comment on and input to the service proposals. This process is usually live for approximately 3 weeks and takes place a number of months in advance of the proposed timetable changes. Once all inputs are received, they are compiled and reviewed in conjunction with the NTA. 

Iarnród Éireann will provide updates on changes to timetables as they are developed over the coming years.

As well as Iarnród Éireann being committed to this project, it is provided for in the Programme for Government, the National Development Plan and the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The project will go ahead subject to receipt of funding, granting of the Railway Order approval from An Bord Pleanála and approval of the Project Business Case by Government. 

No, the project does not depend on any other project in order to advance. The project will link Iarnród Éireann, DART, Dublin Bus, Luas, MetroLink and Dublin Bike services to create a fully integrated public transport system in the Greater Dublin Area. The project team is working closely with the relevant agencies in order to ensure that all current and planned projects can be developed with all due consideration of each other. 

In general, the track layout along the route will remain predominantly unaltered, therefore trains will be no closer to property boundaries than at present. Track modifications are proposed at specific locations such as Drogheda MacBride, Malahide, Clongriffin and Howth Junction & Donaghmede stations. These required works are currently expected to remain within the extents of the existing railway corridor.  

The OHLE infrastructure will follow the alignment of the existing and modified tracks, remaining within the extents of the railway corridor.  

The locations of proposed modifications to the existing railway infrastructure, and locations of substations and construction compounds are included in the DART+ Coastal North Brochure and Option Selection - Preferred Option Report and Schematic Layouts available through the project website www.dartplus.ie

If your property is likely to be directly affected by the works you should already have heard from us. Our Community Liaison Officer will be available throughout the process to ensure you are regularly updated on the current proposals and your views are taken into consideration as we progress the design. 

Yes, some trees will need to be cut down to accommodate the new overhead line electrical equipment (OHLE) and infrastructure. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report will consider this issue in detail and provide mitigation measures. Trees and branches from trees overreaching into Iarnród Éireann property will need to be cut down where they may come into contact with OHLE and trains. In cases where land is being acquired it is likely that trees within this land will be felled. All tree clearance will be undertaken in accordance with seasonal constraints and where this is not feasible trees will be examined by an ecologist to determine the presence of nesting birds and bats in advance of any felling or clearance. A landscape plan will be developed for the scheme to mitigate impacts. 

Yes, an EIAR will be prepared for the project which will contain detailed analysis of the potential impacts of the proposed project on the existing environment and will include sufficient information to allow the consenting authority, in this case, An Bord Pleanála, to decide on whether consent should be given to the project. 
The EIAR will present a description of the existing environment, an assessment of the potential impacts of the scheme, will set out measures to avoid or reduce any adverse impacts and will identify any remaining residual effects. The impacts will be assessed and presented in line with the environmental topics, and in accordance with Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 as amended and the EIA Directive 2014/52/EU.