Key Infrastructural Elements

The key infrastructural elements of the DART+ Coastal North Project include: 

• Extension of existing 1500V DC electrification, which currently terminates at Malahide, as far as Drogheda MacBride Station (approximately 37km); 
• Reconfiguration of the existing track layout and associated infrastructure in the vicinity of Drogheda MacBride, Malahide, Clongriffin and Howth Junction & Donaghmede Stations, as well as the provision of sections of additional track, station turnback facilities, and infrastructure that will enable the operation of both a DART shuttle service on the Howth Branch, at such time that future passenger demand warrants its use, and/or the continued operation of a direct through service to/from Dublin City Centre. All interventions are designed to allow for improved operational flexibility and maximised passenger capacity and DART frequency on both the Northern and Howth Branch Lines; 
• Construction of a new platform at Drogheda MacBride Station; 
• Significant upgrades to Howth Junction & Donaghmede Station now proposed to provide a more accessible, user friendly and customer focused station for all rail users
• Undertaking upgrades to existing signalling, telecoms and power supplies to support the planned increase in train services, including the introduction of new electrical substations at key locations alongside the railway line; 
  • Drogheda 
  • Bettystown 
  • Gormanston 
  • Balbriggan 
  • Skerries North 
  • Skerries South 
  • Rush & Lusk 
  • Donabate
• Undertaking bridge improvements/modifications arising from capacity enhancements, track reconfigurations and/or electrical clearances to achieve necessary clearances; 
• Modifications to existing depots at Drogheda and Fairview to support the new train fleet, including the provision of additional train stabling at Drogheda; 
• Ancillary civils, drainage and power work to cater for the changes.