Project Specific FAQs

Construction Phase 
Given that the line between Connolly and Howth is already electrified, potential construction impacts (from limited interventions) will likely be minimal. Some site-specific interventions will be required between Howth Junction & Donaghmede and Drogheda stations, associated with increasing the rail capacity. Between Malahide and Drogheda, DART+ Coastal North will involve the erection of overhead line infrastructure to facilitate the running of electric trains. In order to maintain services for our customers during the day, the majority of the construction works along the railway line itself will take place at night. Works outside of the live railway corridor can progress during the day i.e. modifications to bridges, construction of substations, construction compounds. 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 caused by noise, lighting or erected fencing/hoarding associated with the construction activities. 
The types of construction work required at each specific location will determine the type of impact that may affect the area/your property. However, there will be general linear works required, such as: 
- Overhead electrification equipment along the full extent of the railway line from Malahide to Drogheda. This will be similar in style to that currently used on the existing DART network.  
- Modifications to the existing rail bridges such as modifications to the structure, track lowering or a combination of both. 
- Substations will be required at intervals along the rail line to provide power to the network. 
- Signalling upgrades and additional signalling will be required as part of the upgraded infrastructure.  
- Interfaces with existing utilities, roads, boundary treatments, drainage works, vegetation management and other ancillary works will be required. 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, levels of greenhouse gas emissions are likely to reduce significantly, with a positive impact on climate change. The engine noise from an electric train is also significantly quieter than a diesel train.  At certain locations, existing bridge parapets will be raised to prevent people from accidentally or otherwise falling onto Overhead Line Equipment. All likely significant effects during both the construction and operational phases will be identified and detailed in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. This will include a detailed schedule of mitigation measures identified to reduce those potential effects.  
 

A specialist Environmental Impact Assessment team has been engaged as part of the overall Multi-Disciplinary Consultant contract. This team will collaborate with the engineering design team during the design development. The environmental team will contribute to assessing the various project options. Prior to the submission of the Railway Order Application, the design development will also be presented to the public at two public consultation events during the project, this is the first of these consultations. This will enable the general public to review and comment on the proposals and provide meaningful feedback on the project, including any environmental issues that they consider important. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be prepared based on the Preliminary Design. The project will also be subject to Appropriate Assessment consideration, as required under the Habitats Directive, which will assess any potential effects on the conservation objectives of European sites.  Therefore, at Railway Order Application stage, the project will have assessed the impact of the project on the environment and will provide avoidance, remedy, and mitigation measures to reduce environmental impacts during the construction and operational phases. 

Additional parking facilities at stations are not included as part of DART+ Coastal North's project scope, which is focussed on the development of infrastructure to facilitate the increase in train frequency on both the Northern and Howth Branch lines. However, separately to the DART+ Coastal North project and outside the railway order, Iarnród Éireann are progressing a number of projects including the Multimodal Interchange Project, DART Station Enhancement Project and, Carparks Programme aimed at developing stations to support future needs.   

The Multimodal Interchange Project will assess all stations throughout the network with a view of implementing its strategy at stations where there is need for modifications that will have an impact on multimodal travel and station access. The project will assess a variety of multimodal options at stations including but not limited to the provision of secure bicycle parking and shared mobility services. Iarnród Éireann are working to progress and finalise the Multimodal Interchange Strategy before the end of Q4 2023 with a view to developing an Implementation Plan subject to funding constraints. 

Additionally, the DART Station Enhancements Project, currently out to tender for consultant support, will review the future requirements at DART stations and the first phase of this project (design principles guidelines and strategy and implementation plan) is scheduled for completion in Q2 2024. Further stages and roll out of the project will be subject to funding.

It is currently anticipated that the Railway Order application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for approval in Autumn/Winter of 2023, although exact dates for this submission are yet to be confirmed.

It is important to note that the DART+ Coastal North Project scope includes the construction of infrastructure to enable a planned increase in service, capacity and frequency on the Northern Line, inclusive of the Howth Branch Line. The development of timetables will progress separately to the DART+ Coastal North Project under the responsibility of Iarnrod Éireann Operations Division. 

The development of service timetabling is an entirely operational procedure, which will be carried out separately to this DART+ Coastal North Project. Future timetables will be directly determined by future passenger demand. 

Every substantial timetable change goes through a public consultation process of its own, organised by the NTA, known as the Timetable Customer Consultation Process. Iarnród Éireann are required by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to publish timetable proposals online for customers to comment on and input to the service proposals. This process is usually live for approximately 3 weeks and takes place a number of months in advance of the proposed timetable changes. Once all inputs are received, they are compiled and reviewed in conjunction with the NTA. 

Iarnród Éireann will provide updates on changes to timetables as they are developed over the coming years.

The preliminary design process for DART+ Coastal North has Identified a variety of locations which may be used as construction compounds to allow for the construction of the project. Details of compound locations are included in Annex 1: Schematic Layout Drawings, and in Annex 3.2 Technical Optioneering Report: Electrification of the Northern Line between Malahide and Drogheda, available through the project website www.dartplus.ie

If your property is likely to be directly affected by the works you should already have heard from us. Our Community Liaison Officer will be available throughout the process to ensure you are regularly updated on the current proposals and your views are taken into consideration as we progress the design.