Project Specific FAQs

Yes, as the preferred depot site is west of Kilcock, the rail line will now be electrified from Maynooth to the depot location, meaning DART+ services will operate to Kilcock station.  

Iarnród Éireann will endeavour to minimise any potential impacts to communities along the line. There will be some disruption to the road network during the reconstruction of Allen Bridge which carries the R148 over the railway and the canal. Traffic management measures will be implemented to maintain traffic along the R148 during these works. 

Access will be maintained along the road network following the completion of construction stage. The existing L5041 will be permanently diverted to the west of the existing local road and will travel over both the new and existing railway lines and the Royal Canal via a new bridge. A new T-junction is proposed for the L5041 local road to connect with the R148 regional road. The existing R148 will be realigned over a short distance of approximately 400 metres. 

A number of temporary compounds are required along the scheme, generally adjacent to the site of individual elements of the infrastructure that are being constructed. These compounds will only be required during the construction phase, and indicative locations for them are shown on the project schematics included within the brochure. The construction methodology will determine the exact dimensions of each of these areas as the design evolves. 
 

During operation, the new depot will be the main maintenance facility for the DART+ Fleet and will operate 24 hours a day throughout the year. Daily light maintenance, exterior washing, internal cleaning, and other corrective maintenance within the depot building will occur all day long. Any heavy maintenance, and other noisy activities will be scheduled to be done during the day. 

Train movements to and from the depot, will begin from around 04:30hrs with the last train expected to access the depot sometime after midnight.  

Whilst the project will try to limit disruptive works, some nighttime works are expected to reduce the impact on the operation of the railway. The construction works range from those that are located outside of the railway boundary, which will be undertaken from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Friday and half-day on Saturday, and those that will require closure of a section of railway, normally during night-time, and sometimes during full weekends. 
For some of the works as part of the scheme is expected that total railway closures extending for a few weeks may be deemed necessary. 
The construction compounds will be operational 24/7 in order to service the various worksites. 
Full detail on the proposed construction works, associated impacts and a detailed timeline of interventions at each area along the line will be developed as part of the draft railway order and will be shared on dartplus.ie.  

Information on the DART+ Depot Project and Public Consultation can be found on www.dartplus.ie. All public consultation launches are 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.