Judicial Review Proceedings Resolved
Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that judicial review proceedings against DART+ Coastal North have been struck out at the High Court today. Agreement has been reached outside of court that is to the satisfaction of both parties. The Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North, which was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August of this year, will extend the electrified DART network from Malahide to Drogheda.
Procurement and Timeline Under National Development Plan’s Transport Sectoral Plan
Work had been ongoing on the procurement process for the project. Under the National Development Plan’s Transport Sectoral Plan, which was published by the Department of Transport last week, work may commence on DART+ Coastal North from 2028, including supporting infrastructure such as track passing loops and a new platform at Drogheda station, prior to 2030, in advance of works on electrification.
Capacity and Frequency Enhancements
Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, under Project Ireland 2040,the project will significantly increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the Northern route between Dublin city and Malahide, Howth and Drogheda, with the section between Malahide and Drogheda (as part of the service between Dublin city and Drogheda) nearly doubling capacity from about 4,800 to 8,800 passengers at peak hour/direction when complete. This increase in services will be subject to demand and will be part of a separate timetable consultation process in conjunction with the NTA.
Planned Infrastructure Improvements
The planned infrastructure improvements as part of DART+ Coastal North include:
- 37km of electrification and re-signalling of the railway line between Malahide and Drogheda MacBride Stations.
- Reconfiguration of the existing track layout and associated infrastructure in the vicinity of Drogheda MacBride, Malahide, Clongriffin and Howth Junction & Donaghmede Stations; including a new platform at Drogheda MacBride Station, and infrastructure to enable operational flexibility for both direct Howth to city and Howth to Howth Junction DART shuttle services as required.
- All civil, bridge and ancillary works as necessary to accommodate the project.
- Improvement of Howth Junction & Donaghmede Station.
- Modification to Fairview and Drogheda train Depots to support the new train fleet.
- Reconfiguration of track layout north of Malahide to provide a train turnback facility.
Bringing DART services between Dublin and Drogheda
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “I very much welcome today’s news that the Judicial Review related to DART+ Coastal North has been fully resolved. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published last month, notes the potential to commence construction on elements of DART+ Coastal North in the coming years, such as new track on the route and a new platform at Drogheda station, in advance of works on the Overhead Line Equipment.This is another example of an infrastructure project which will help improve public transport for the people of Ireland in the years ahead, particularly those living in communities between Dublin city and Drogheda.”
Three active Railway Orders we have on DART+ Projects
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Mary Considine said “I am delighted that we now have a live Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North, and that the project is included in the NDP Transport Sectoral Plan. Bringing DART services to the ever-growing population corridor between Dublin and Drogheda is needed to fulfil Ireland’s climate action targets and to provide frequent, reliable and sustainable public transport for existing and future communities along the railway line. The lifting of this judicial review brings to three the number of active Railway Orders we have on DART+ Projects, covering the full electrification plans. DART+ West and DART+ South West also have live Railway Orders, and our Programme team is ready to deliver this transformative railway investment programme.”
Significantly enhancing rail capacity and connectivity along the Northern Line
Eoin Gillard, Assistant Director – Transport Investment from the National Transport Authority said: “We’re pleased that DART+ Coastal North can now progress following the resolution of the judicial review. This project will significantly enhance rail capacity and connectivity along the Northern Line, supporting sustainable travel and climate objectives. The NTA looks forward to working with Iarnród Éireann to deliver these improvements for passengers.