Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Information on the DART+ Coastal North project and Public Consultation can be found on www.dartplus.ie. All public consultations are launched in the first instance via press release and further highlighted through in-station posters and a leaflet drop along the project route, briefing of elected representatives, email notification to the project database, targeted digital advertising and advertising in print media and on radio where appropriate. Public feedback will be accepted during all stages of the design development and can be submitted through the project website, e-mail address, phone or by written correspondence. For further details see the How to Engage / Contact Us section on www.dartplus.ie.