Project Specific FAQs

Construction Phase
Impacts during the construction phase are expected to be relatively minimal for Stage 1 of DART+ Coastal South. Some site-specific interventions will be required along the DART+ Coastal South route as part of the Stage 1 works, associated with the proposed increase in rail capacity. Every effort will be made to avoid, reduce, and/or mitigate negative impacts, however, there is likely to be some disturbance experienced for those near the railway line intervention locations caused by noise, lighting or erected fencing/hoarding associated with the construction activities. Localised construction works will be required linked to some track and platform modifications at Bray (Daly) Station, adjustments to the track, and the upgrade of Ennis Lane Level Crossing to a CCTV controlled crossing.  

Prior to the commencement of construction works, a dedicated Community Liaison Officer will be appointed to communicate details of all upcoming works and to oversee the implementation of all required mitigation measures, thereby minimising any potential disruption resulting from the works. During the construction phase, residents living in close proximity to any planned works will receive ongoing communication in advance of significant works - i.e. piling or ground penetrating surveys.

Operational Phase
During the operational phase, the frequency of service will increase over time. Other impacts will be minimal as the existing line is already electrified and operates under electrical power. 

Additional parking facilities at stations are not included as part of DART+ Coastal South's project scope. However, Iarnród Éireann’s Network Enhancement Division and the National Transport Authority’s Park & Ride Development Office are working on other projects to deliver enhanced parking at stations, for cars and bicycles. These projects are being developed in parallel to DART+ Coastal South.

The Southern Line, south of Bray is constrained by lengths of single track, proximity to the coast, and multiple tunnels which all combine to limit the potential for additional services beyond what is proposed by DART+ Coastal South. 3 trains per hour (3tph), representing a 50% increase in service, has been the determined to be the maximum feasible with the single line. A frequency higher than 3tph would require significant interventions such as tunnelling and double tracking. 

Iarnród Éireann will continue to develop projects in line with demand, however any further capacity enhancement projects would be progressed as separate projects to DART+ Coastal South.  

The main objectives of the DART+ Coastal South project include enabling the delivery of a higher frequency, higher capacity, reliable, electrified route to enable an increased train service frequency between Greystones and Dublin City Centre. Further information can be found in the project brochure or the project website www.dartplus.ie

In order to deliver the infrastructure and benefits of the DART+ Coastal South project in the most efficient manner possible, the project will be delivered in 2 distinct stages, as outlined below:

• Stage 1 of DART+ Coastal South will seek to deliver the infrastructure enhancements and upgrades that will enable an increase in train frequency from 2 trains per hour to 3 trains per hour between Bray and Greystones.
• Stage 2 of DART+ Coastal South will seek to deliver the infrastructure enhancements that will enable an increase in train frequency from 6 trains per hour to 12 trains per hour between Dublin Connolly and Bray Daly Stations.

Public Consultation on the Emerging Preferred Option for Stage 1 of DART+ Coastal South will commence on 20th October 2025 and continue until Thursday 4th December 2025.