Approval Granted for DART+ West Rail Extension to Maynooth

Image credit: DART+

An Bord Pleanála has approved the plan to extend the DART network to Maynooth in County Kildare, marking a significant milestone for the DART+ West project.

This approval comes more than two years after Irish Rail first sought permission. Irish Rail has expressed strong approval of this decision, emphasizing the benefits of providing a sustainable, electrified, and more frequent rail service to customers, which will enhance capacity on the Maynooth and M3 Parkway to city centre rail corridors.

The DART+ West project aims to increase train capacity from the current six trains per hour per direction to up to 12 trains per hour per direction, depending on demand. Passenger capacity is expected to rise to 13,200 passengers by 2025, a significant increase from the 5,000 passengers recorded in 2019. This project is designed to support existing communities and future sustainable development by offering an efficient alternative to private car travel. The new service will utilize electrical power, reducing the carbon footprint compared to the current diesel trains.

The electrification of the rail line will largely follow the existing railway corridor. The Railway Order grants Iarnród Éireann the authority to proceed with the necessary electrification and infrastructure upgrades. According to a spokesperson, this approval is a crucial step toward doubling the capacity of the Greater Dublin Area rail network and tripling the network's electrification.

Iarnród Éireann, in collaboration with the National Transport Authority (NTA), will now advance the DART+ West project to the construction phase, which includes procurement processes to hire contractors. The project will run from Connolly/Spencer Dock in north Dublin to Maynooth in County Kildare and the M3 Parkway near Dunboyne in County Meath, providing a sustainable transport option for communities such as Maynooth, Leixlip, and Castleknock.

The Railway Order application, submitted in July 2022, included plans for a new station at Spencer Dock to connect with the Luas Red Line, a new entrance at Preston Street, and rail capacity enhancements at Connolly Station. It also proposed a new DART depot west of Maynooth train station to maintain the new DART+ fleet. However, An Bord Pleanála's decision included a condition that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to flood risk concerns. Iarnród Éireann will explore alternative options for the depot construction to align with the DART+ Programme timelines.

With the Railway Order granted, Iarnród Éireann and the NTA will proceed with the necessary steps to begin construction, ensuring the project remains on track to meet its objectives and timelines.

You can find more information on the DART+ West project on the DART+ Programme website.