Plans to extend DART to M3 Parkway

Construction work on Dart West project, which see the extension of the Dart service to the M3 Parkway at Pace, Dunboyne, is expected to begin in 2024 as Iarnrod Eireann applies for a Railway Order this week.

The project will see the electrified DART network from Connolly/Spencer Dock area extended to west of Maynooth and to M3 Parkway. It is set to be the first major Railway Order application under the current National Development Plan.

The work will include 40km of electrification and resignalling along the Maynooth and M3 parkway rail lines and a new Dart depot west of Maynooth station.

CIE will apply to An Bord Pleanala on Friday as part of the planning process. Construction is expected to being in 2024 with the line expected to open in 2029.

Minister Thomas Byrne welcomed the news. “This is another step in the right direction for this long awaited project.

“When this project is realised it will mean more trains with a faster and more efficient service. It’s important that as many people as possible familiarise themselves with the proposals and make submissions,” he said.

Cllr Damien O'Reilly welcomed the news, pointing out that it will mean quicker commuting times, and better connectivity to rail dart and metro services.

"It is great news for hard pressed Dunboyne commuters who are sick of public transport failures. I hope there isn't too much disruption to services during construction."

He said the one downside to the news was that it will mean higher density apartment development in Dunboyne.

"What people want locally are houses, not apartments," he said.

The Railway Order application will be lodged by Coras Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), holding company for Iarnród Éireann, with An Bord Pleanála on Friday. The statutory public consultation period will then commence on 5th August and run until 30th September.

Potentially impacted owners and occupiers of lands referenced in the Railway Order Application will be contacted directly in advance of the lodgement of the order application.

It is anticipated when the consultation period closes, an oral hearing will be heard into the application by An Bord Pleanála.