Preliminary works starts new DART system coming to Kildare
Iarnrod Eireann says it will eventually extend to Kilcock
Minister For Transport Darragh O’Brien was at Dunboyne station today to mark the commencement of the first major physical enabling works on the DART+ West project.
He was accompanied by Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Sarah Reilly and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless.
The enabling works beginning this weekend are track lowering works, which will take place at two bridges between Hansfield and M3 Parkway to facilitate future electrification.
DART+ will double the passenger capacity for rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), from 26,000 passenger journeys per direction per hour to 52,000, says the government.
The DART network will increase from 50 kilometres to 150 kilometres, extending to Kilcock/M3 Parkway, Hazelhatch (Celbridge) and Drogheda - transforming train travel across the Dublin commuter belt.
It will provide a sustainable, electrified, reliable and more frequent rail service improving capacity in all rail corridors serving Dublin, bringing DART travel with all its benefits to new and existing communities. The provision of a new electrified fleet will improve capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.