Frequently Asked Questions

The project will continue to serve all the existing stations along the Maynooth and M3 Parkway lines (including Pelletstown which is under construction).  Some DART+ West services will terminate at the new Spencer Dock Station. The main change will be positive as there will be more frequent train services and higher passenger capacity.

The works will be undertaken in a manner so as to avoid or minimise impacts on adjoining properties, and it is not anticipated that damage will occur. However, any property required to facilitate the development will be acquired as part of the railway order application process. A condition survey may be required of existing structures and buildings adjacent to the works at certain locations. These will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the works required at that location. Should your property be deemed to require a condition survey you will be notified, and your permission sought to conduct the survey. The condition survey would take place at the preconstruction stage to provide assurance to property owners.

Yes, a new fully integrated station serving both the DART+ Maynooth Line project and the proposed MetroLink project is proposed to be located off the Phibsborough Road (R108) adjacent to the Royal Canal. Iarnród Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are collaborating to provide this new station which will comprise:
•    DART+ surface station. The station will have an east- west orientation on both Iarnród Éireann lines (GSWR & MGWR);
•    MetroLink underground station will have a north- south orientation;
•    A shared concourse with full passenger integration; and 
•    Street level access and public realm improvements.
Details of the proposed station location which will be developed as part of the MetroLink Railway Order

An EIAR is mandatory for a railway order application and will be prepared for the project. This EIAR will contain detailed analysis of the potential impacts of the proposed project on the existing environment and the mitigation measures proposed. It 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 and the EIA Directive 2014/52/EU.
A Screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) will be undertaken and if deemed necessary a full Appropriate Assessment will be prepared to assess the effects of the project on European sites (Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA)).
 

The DART+ West project is seeking to modernise the existing railway whilst protecting where possible the existing heritage of the railway. In order to construct the electrification system, certain interventions are required that will impact on specific bridges.
The project team have considered the architectural heritage of all bridge structures in the options assessments and physical interventions to these heritage structures will only be undertaken where absolutely necessary.  In most cases works are confined to the railway bridges in proximity to the canal bridges and works will be restricted as much as possible to avoid any potential impact on these structures. An architectural heritage assessment of the proposed development and all protected structures impacted by the proposed works will be undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

It is anticipated that there will be road and bridge closures associated with the construction of the DART+ West project. The timing and duration of any closures will be on a case-by-case basis depending on the location and the complexity of the construction works required at that specific location. Details of any road closures, duration and temporary diversions will be developed as part of the environmental impact assessment process and presented in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR). In advance of any road closures the DART+ West project will be proactive in publicising planned works and diversionary routes.