Work begins on new DART Station at Woodbrook

WORK has begun on a new DART station at Woodbrook.

The new station will be located between Bray and Shankill, and will become a transport hub for the communities in Woodbrook and Shanganagh.

The station has been given an opening date of 2025.

When the new station is in operation, it will take 40 minutes for commuters to reach Dublin city centre.

Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said “I am delighted to see the start of the construction of Woodbrook Station, which is located between Bray and Shankill, and is set to become the essential transportation hub for communities in Woodbrook and Shanganagh.”

“By providing this modern station, we aim to reduce the dependence on private cars and will assist us towards meeting our climate action targets.  This new station will enrich the lives of residents and enhance the attractiveness of the Woodbrook-Shanganagh community for growth and prosperity.”

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said “there was a train stop here in Woodbrook on the former Dublin and South Eastern Railway so it’s great that we are bringing a new age of rail back to thriving communities like this, as Iarnród Éireann’s newest DART Station.”

“This station will be of great benefit to the local community, where new housing is also being developed. It is a good example of transport and planning working in step and a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to strengthening public transport for more people. I’m delighted that construction has started and I look forward to its completion.”

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of National Transport Authority said “the commencement of construction at Woodbrook represents a significant milestone and is another indication of the real progress that is being made in developing a public transport service that will meet the transport requirements of people in the Dublin region for years and decades to come. “

“I have no doubt that plans for investment in rail, including the DART+ programme, will prove to be transformative for the entire region,” she added.

Social Democrats local election candidate Aaron McAllorum said “this is of course welcome news, but it is just one small piece in a significant expansion of the DART Network.”

“The original Woodbrook Halt opened in 1910 and ceased operations in 1960, this area has an interesting place in our railway history.”

“The NTA and Irish Rail must be cognisant that land use, planning and public transport services are all considered in the broad context of the delivery of their projects and ensure that there is adequate service capacity built into the DART+ Projects.”

McAllorum warned “large-scale housing projects such as the Special Housing Developments in Bray and Shankill can’t outrun public services and amenities, successive governments have prioritised developer profits over the public interest and I believe we can reverse this trend, there must be a better harmony in the delivery on both aspects.”

“These housing schemes are being constructed and some of them are near completion and public transport infrastructure and capacity must be there to meet the increased demand.”