Construction Begins on Irish Rail's Latest DART Station at Woodbrook

Image credit: Irish Rail

In a significant development for Irish Rail transport, Minister for Transport Éamon Ryan T.D., alongside local dignitaries, has initiated the construction of Woodbrook, Irish Rail’s newest DART station. This event marks a key milestone in enhancing Ireland's rail network.

Situated strategically between Bray and Shankill, Woodbrook station — which is due to open in 2025 — is set to become the 147th station in Iarnród Éireann’s network, following Kishoge station’s planned opening in 2024.

Woodbrook station is a crucial part of the National Transport Authority's funding initiative, aimed at supporting the burgeoning residential communities in Woodbrook and Shanganagh, which will encompass up to 2,300 housing units.

The station's design includes two 174m long platforms, complete with essential amenities like passenger shelters, seating, lighting, CCTV, and ticketing facilities. A pedestrian bridge will provide access across the railway, with both ramped and stepped access. The station will also feature bicycle parking and is designed to accommodate future pedestrian and cycling routes. DART services will connect the station to Dublin city centre in approximately 40 minutes, with a service frequency of about every 10 minutes on weekdays.

Preparatory works for the station began in 2022, including infrastructure adjustments and bridge deck replacement. John Cradock Ltd has been contracted for the main construction works, with the station's opening slated for summer 2025. The construction phase is expected to employ around 15 people.

Minister Éamon Ryan commented on the occasion, "There was a train stop here in Woodbrook on the former Dublin and South Eastern Railway, so it’s great that we are bringing a new age of rail back to thriving communities like this, as Iarnród Éireann’s newest DART station. This station will be of great benefit to the local community, where new housing is also being developed. It is a good example of transport and planning working in step and a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to strengthening public transport for more people. I’m delighted that construction has started and I look forward to its completion."

You can learn more about Woodbrook station on the Irish Rail website.