Land Acquisition process for DART+ West Underway

The formal land acquisition process for the 206 directly impacted landowners along the DART+ West route has commenced with landowners today receiving a letter along with a Notice to Treat.

Notice to Treat is a statutory step that formally initiates the land purchase process and confirms CIÉ’s intention to acquire certain property interests identified in the Railway Order that are needed to deliver the DART+ West project, on behalf of Iarnród Éireann.

DART+ West will expand DART services to include communities in Ashtown, Pelletstown, Broombridge, Castleknock, Coolmine, Clonsilla, Navan Road Parkway, Drumcondra, Leixlip, Maynooth and Hansfield, Dunboyne and M3 Parkway, providing a DART service at least every 10 minutes.

In addition to DART+ West electrifying the rail line and increasing rail services the project will deliver:

• A new station at Spencer Dock will provide improved transport options for the Docklands area as well as an improved interchange with Luas services
• Upgrades to Connolly Station will support the planned increase in trains and passenger numbers while also improving station accessibility
• Closure of level crossings and provision of replacement bridges where required
• Interventions at existing bridges over the rail line where there is insufficient clearance for the overhead wires
• Substations, electrical buildings and all other civil and ancillary works as necessary to accommodate the project.

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Mary Considine said: “DART+ West will deliver a turn up and go level of rail service, with a new more accessible DART stopping at these communities every 10 minutes.

“Customers can expect a more sustainable, more reliable, more user-friendly service, helping more people to leave their cars at home.

“The commencement of the formal land acquisition process for DART+ West is the next statutory step to meet the requirements of the Railway Order and a significant milestone in the delivery of the DART+ Programme.”

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien said: “I am pleased to see the continued progression of the DART+ Programme with this development in the DART+ West project. The DART+ Programme will be transformative for rail in the Greater Dublin Area, doubling capacity at peak hours.

“DART+ West is the key enabler of the wider programme and will see the extension of the DART network from the City Centre to the M3 Parkway and, subject to planning, Kilcock.

“It will also provide for the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements including a new station at Spencer Dock. Advancing the DART+ Programme is a major priority for Government, and the issuing of these notices will help us commence the construction of DART+ West next year.”

Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority added: “DART+ West will help shape how the Greater Dublin Area grows in the coming decades.

“By extending DART services to existing and growing communities, the project will strengthen connections across the wider TFI network and support the delivery of housing and employment growth in these locations. Today’s milestone brings us another step closer to providing the transport infrastructure that will improve quality of life and create more travel choices for communities across the region.”

Further information is available on the Iarnród Éireann website