Minister O’Brien receives update on DART+ Programme

Local Minister Darragh O’Brien has received an update on the DART+ Programme, a transformative project which aims to modernise and improve existing rail services in North County Dublin.
 
Minister O’Brien wrote to Irish Rail seeking an update on plans to provide a sustainable, electrified, reliable and more frequent rail service.
 
The current DART network is 50km long extending from Malahide/Howth to Greystones. The DART+ Programme will increase the length of the DART network to 150km of railway corridor through the upgrade of existing lines.
 
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “I am glad to learn that specifically on DART+ Coastal North, which includes Balbriggan and the Northern Commuter line, this project is progressing, and it is anticipated that public consultation will commence in summer of this year, building to an application for a Railway Order, which is the equivalent of planning permission, in 2022.
 
“At the heart of this project is the need to increase passenger capacity and train frequency to cope with our increasing population here in Fingal. The DART+ Programme will provide a viable, sustainable alternative to private car use, therefore helping users reduce their carbon footprint, spend less time in road traffic, and help our environment.
 
“In addition to the DART+ Coastal North project I was very glad to hear that the northern route will also benefit from a major fleet order planned for this year,” he concluded.