Irish Rail has launched the second round of public consultation for DART+ Coastal North which will bring the DART to Drogheda.
Plans for the proposed project are now open for inspection and feedback from the public will be accepted until Friday 23rd June 2023.
“Extending electrification as far as Drogheda is a key step in our decarbonisation plans and to ensure Irish Rail becomes the backbone of the national sustainable transport network” an Irish Rail spokesperson told Drogheda Life.
Part of the transformative DART+ Programme, DART+ Coastal North will deliver an increased and improved electrified network, with additional passenger capacity and enhanced train services between Drogheda and Howth and Dublin City Centre.
Key infrastructural elements include:
- Extension of existing electrification from Malahide as far as Drogheda MacBride Station (approximately 37km)
- Construction of a new platform at Drogheda MacBride Station.
- Modifications to existing depots at Drogheda and Fairview to support the new train fleet, including the provision of additional train stabling at Drogheda.
- Reconfiguration of the existing track layout and associated infrastructure in the vicinity of Drogheda MacBride, Malahide, Clongriffin and Howth Junction & Donaghmede Stations
- Also included is the provision of sections of additional track, station turnback facilities, and infrastructure that will enable the operation of both a DART shuttle service on the Howth Branch, at such time that future passenger demand warrants its use, and/or the continued operation of a direct through service to/from Dublin City Centre.
- All interventions are designed to allow for improved operational flexibility and maximised passenger capacity and DART frequency on both the Northern and Howth Lines;
- Significant upgrades to Howth Junction & Donaghmede Station now proposed to provide a more accessible, user friendly and customer focused station for all rail users.
- All necessary signalling, telecommunications, bridge modifications and ancillary works as required including the introduction of new electrical substations at key locations along the line.
You can view the project plans or make a submission by visiting www.dartplus.ie
