Iarnród Éireann’s application for a Railway Order with An Bord Pleanála has advanced the DART expansion to Drogheda, reports RTE.
The request for authorization to expand the electrified DART network from Malahide to Drogheda MacBride Station is referred known as DART+ Coastal North.
The project is expected to enhance the northern route’s peak hourly capacity and frequency, connecting Dublin city to Malahide, Howth, and Drogheda.
When finished, the stretch between Malahide and Drogheda would almost quadruple its capacity, accommodating 8,800 people during peak hours compared to 4,800 now, reports RTE.
“Further cements our commitment to develop a high-quality, sustainable public transport system in Ireland, providing more and more people with access to a far better alternative to sitting in traffic,” stated Minister of Transport Éamon Ryan in response to the proposal.
He continued: “This project will mean that we can almost double capacity at peak time, giving communities a quality, more frequent train service between Dublin and Drogheda, while supporting our decarbonisation goals,” reports RTE.
The new DART line would “transform commuting for existing and new communities along the Drogheda/Howth to Dublin railway corridor,” according to Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade.
Mr. Meade continued by saying that by lowering dependency on private vehicles, it will help Ireland reach its climate action commitments, reports RTE.
New battery-electric DART+ trains will serve passengers prior to the completion of DART+ Coastal North.
These trains will go from the city centre to Malahide on electricity via wires, then on battery power to Drogheda, reports RTE.
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