DART+ West Introduction

Public consultation was central to the early design phase for the DART + West project, enabling  local communities and key stakeholders to influence decisions that impact connectivity, accessibility and the passenger experience. 

We engaged with local communities and the wider public to help us shape the design for Dart + West. To ensure the design reflects best practice and is as inclusive as possible, the options were assessed using six criteria, economy, safety, integration, environment, accessibility & social inclusion, and physical activity.

As part of this public consultation period, Public Consultation 1 Findings Report  and Public Consultation 2 Findings Report, from August 2020 to April 2022, we received your feedback through multiple communication channels, including: online webinars, one to one video calls, online feedback forms (in-person events were not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions then in place); and via emails and letters.  

Based on the feedback received during the public consultation period, The DART+ West project applied for a Railway Order to An Bord Pleanála on the 29th July 2022. Planning approval was granted in July 2024, with further information required for the development of a new fleet maintenance depot. For more information on this Project, please see DART+ Depot.

The project will see:

• Increase train capacity from the current 6 trains per hour per direction up to 12 trains per hour per direction subject to demand. Passenger capacity will increase from 5,000 in 2019 to 13,200 passengers
• Reduce carbon emissions through the deployment of new electric trains.
• Support growing communities, businesses, and future development by providing high-quality integrated public transport service in line with Government policy including the National Planning Framework and Climate Action Plan.

Delivery of this DART+ West will support existing communities and support future sustainable development. It will serve all existing stations along the railway corridor between Maynooth Station and M3 Parkway Station to Connolly Station and to the proposed Spencer Dock Station using electrical power, which has a lower carbon footprint than the current diesel trains. The frequency and quality of service will provide a viable transport alternative for surrounding communities other than private car travel. This will assist in Ireland reducing road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions from transport, thereby helping to combat climate change.

The electrification of the rail line will predominantly follow the existing railway corridor. Works outside of Iarnród Éireann lands will be required at a number of locations for some of the scheme elements such as:

• Level crossing replacements;
• Proposed new Spencer Dock Station;
• Bridge reconstruction and/or improvements; 
• Construction of substations (to facilitate the provision of power to the line), and
• Use of land for temporary construction/storage compounds and all ancillary works required for the project.