DART+ West for Kildare showcased to EU transport delegation

MEP Nina Carberry welcomed a delegation from the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee to the Midlands North West this week, as part of an official fact-finding mission to share best practices and spotlight key Irish infrastructure and tourism projects.

Carberry, who is Ireland’s only full member of the committee, hosted a packed itinerary across several counties, shining a spotlight on various rail, road, port and aviation projects.

A highlight of the visit was a meeting with Irish Rail CEO Jim Meade on Wednesday (today), who briefed the delegation on plans for DART+ West and proposals to extend the rail network in County Kildare.

Work on DART+ West is expected to commence next year.

“Improving passenger rail services in the commuter belt, linking Dublin, Kildare, Meath and beyond has been talked about for decades, so it was fantastic that the DART+ West project recently got the go ahead to proceed”, Carberry said.

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The DART+ West project will enhance services along the railway corridor between Maynooth, Connolly Station and the proposed Spencer Dock Station, supporting both existing communities and future development.

"As we look to continue to decarbonise our public transport networks, Irish Rail's plans to treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area rail network, increasing it from 50km to 150km is a step in the right direction. It's also encouraging that up to 185 new carriages are due to enter service in 2026", Carberry added.

The delegation's itinerary also included a visit to Dublin Airport, where discussions focused on Ireland’s efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector. Additional stops included Bremore Port, Rosslare Europort, and meetings with the Restaurant Association of Ireland, the Irish Whiskey Association, the Irish Road Haulage Association, as well as several Government Ministers.