Frequently Asked Questions

Following feedback received during public consultation no. 2 and reassessment by the project team, DART+ West published a revised preferred option for Ashtown in March 2022. This revised preferred option provides for reconstruction of Ashtown Station and provision of a new universally accessible pedestrian/cyclist footbridge and ramps, largely occupying the footprint of the existing station. The design is proposed to embrace high architectural and aesthetic value and will use steel construction to minimise the visual impact of the proposed works.
Direct stepped access will be provided across the railway at the Ashtown Road for mobility enabled users. Shallow ramps with segregated cycle access are proposed in addition to the stepped access. The proposed new substation will be provided for within the footprint of the station. Access over the railway will be available on a 24hr basis. High quality urban landscaping will be provided on the approaches to the station and throughout.
In addition to replacement non-motorised access at the location of the level crossing, it is proposed to construct a roadway and cycleway passing along Mill Lane, west of the existing mill and associated outbuildings to pass under the canal and railway. This proposed roadway will link into Mill Lane north of the Canal and will accommodate vehicular connectivity between Rathborne/Pelletstown and the Navan Road/M50. The design has been configured to be as open as practicable, incorporating shallow landscaped sideslopes where possible. Furthermore, the heritage setting of Ashtown will be reflected in the finishes to structural elements through the use of masonry to match existing walls.

Topographical surveys are currently being undertaken along the length of the DART+ West project. These surveys involve taking direct measurements, levels and recording of features. This information will be used to assist in the design and environmental assessment of the project.

Murphy Geospatial have been appointed to undertake these surveys, which are non-intrusive but will require access to public and private lands. Where access to private lands are required contact will be made in advance.

Should you have any queries or concerns regarding these surveys please contact the Community Liaison Officer for this Project Garry Keegan at (01) 823 5127 or by email at DARTWest@irishrail.ie

The journey time from Connolly to Maynooth will not be significantly different than today’s travel time of approx. 40 minutes whilst M3 Parkway to Spencer Dock travel time will be approx. 30-35 minutes DART+ West is about increasing capacity and transitioning to electrical traction power. Whilst new rolling stock will be deployed, the operational pattern is for all DART+ trains to stop at all stations. Therefore, whilst there may be some efficiency in travel time over today, travel time improvements are unlikely to be significant.

A railway order application is broadly similar to the planning application process. The project is categorised as Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) and Iarnród Éireann applies directly to An Bord Pleanála for permission. The railway order application process is set out in the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 as amended by the Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006. Following two phases of public consultation, we will submit the railway order application. Any person or body may make a submission or observation in writing to An Bord Pleanála in relation to the application and / or the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Appropriate Assessment (AA). The railway order application will include a number of technical documents and project drawings and an EIAR and AA. All of these documents and drawings together with any feedback/submissions received from the public as part of the statutory public consultation process will be reviewed and considered by An Bord Pleanála before a decision on the application is made. We expect that An Bord Pleanála will conduct an oral hearing before they make a decision. At an oral hearing the authors of relevant reports and experts will give evidence on the submissions received and will be available for questioning. Further information on making a submission / observation in writing to the Board and oral hearing procedures are available from the An Bord Pleanála website

The DART+ West project is an exchequer funded railway improvement project specifically intended to improve public transport for communities along the route. This in itself is a significant local community benefit.
DART+ West programme is seeking to significantly increase the frequency and capacity of train services on the Maynooth and M3 Parkway lines. This can be achieved by changing to electrified, high-capacity DART trains and increasing the frequency of trains. Delivery of this project will support the existing communities along the railway 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 Spencer Dock Station using electrical power that has a lower carbon footprint than the existing diesel trains. The frequency and quality of service that will be provided will provide a viable transport alternative to communities along the route and help encourage people to switch from private car use. This will assist in Ireland reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport and help combat climate change. The electrification of the rail line will predominantly follow the existing railway corridor.