Project Specific FAQs

Yes, some trees will need to be cut down to accommodate the new overhead line electrical equipment (OHLE) and infrastructure. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report will consider this issue in detail and provide mitigation measures. Trees and branches from trees overreaching into Iarnród Éireann property will need to be cut down where they may come into contact with OHLE and trains. In cases where land is being acquired it is likely that trees within this land will be felled. All tree clearance will be undertaken in accordance with seasonal constraints and where this is not feasible trees will be examined by an ecologist to determine the presence of nesting birds and bats in advance of any felling or clearance. A landscape plan will be developed for the scheme to mitigate impacts. 

Yes, an EIAR will be prepared for the project which will contain detailed analysis of the potential impacts of the proposed project on the existing environment and will include sufficient information to allow the consenting authority, in this case, An Bord Pleanála, to decide on whether consent should be given to the project. 
The EIAR will present a description of the existing environment, an assessment of the potential impacts of the scheme, will set out measures to avoid or reduce any adverse impacts and will identify any remaining residual effects. The impacts will be assessed and presented in line with the environmental topics, and in accordance with Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 as amended and the EIA Directive 2014/52/EU. 

Information on the DART+ Coastal North project and Public Consultation can be found on www.dartplus.ie. All public consultations are launched in the first instance via press release and 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. 

Where practicable, DART+ Coastal North will integrate with cycleways, greenways, and other active travel facilities proposed in existing and draft future transport strategies. The DART+ Project Team is actively engaging with the sponsoring authorities for these projects to ensure due consideration is given to them. 

A wide range of surveys are required as part of the DART+ Coastal North project. These include, but are not limited to, Topographical Surveys, Ecological and other environmental Surveys, Ground Investigation Surveys.  

Should you have any queries or concerns regarding these surveys please contact the Community Liaison Officer for this Project Garry Keegan at 01 233 4515 or by email at DARTCoastalNorth@irishrail.ie 

The DART+ Coastal North project, as part of the DART+ Programme, will deliver an improved electrified network, with increased passenger capacity and enhanced train service between Dublin City Centre and Drogheda. The project will provide the infrastructure to deliver a planned increase in train frequency from 11 to 24 trains, and a planned increase in passenger capacity from 12,500 to 26,600 passengers, for the new 3-hour AM peak period for inbound / southbound services from Drogheda to Dublin City Centre.  
DART+ Coastal North will provide a sustainable, electrified and a more reliable train service. The electrification of the Northern Line to Drogheda will support building a sustainable and connected City Region and facilitate the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society.