Study underway for potential new train station in Cabra

Iarnóid Éireann has launched a study to explore a possible new train station at Cabra.

AtkinsRéalis has been commissioned by Iarnóid Éireann to explore designs for a potential new station at Cabra, with the idea of integrating the station with the existing heavy rail network that exists within Dublin.

More specifically, there are plans to integrate the station with the DART+ South West project.

The proposed expansion of DART services was submitted to An Bord Pleanála last March, and would see an electrification of the line to Glasnevin, via the via the Phoenix Park Tunnel Branch Line.

A potential DART station in Cabra has been championed by many local elected representatives.

2021 figures from the Department of Transport show that should that Cabra be added to the Dart South West+ services, it would increase passenger capacity from 5,000 to 20,000 per hour.

Fine Gael’s Pascal Donohoe, Labour’s Marie Sherlock and Neasa Hourigan of the Green Party have all advocated for Cabra to be included in the plans over the years.

Cabra natives are already familiar with the expanded Dart+ service, with the M3 Parkway service to Maynooth serving Broombridge, Pelletstown and Ashtown.

The preferred options on the study is expected to be announced by the end of 2024, and will then go to the National Transport Authority for funding allocation.

Minister for Transport, Éamon Ryan TD said “I am delighted that studies are underway into developing a new train station in Cabra.”

He said the locations were identified as a way of helping Greater Dublin Area transport strategies hit their goals.

“These studies indicate this Government’s commitment to providing new, quality public transport options, including rail, across Ireland. I look forward to the completion.”

Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham said “with more and more people now using public transport to get to work, college or lifestyle appointments it is vital that we plan options for new rail stations and additional capacity on our network.”

“We need to ensure our customers have a frequent and reliable service which they can use in their daily lives.”

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade said “at Iarnród Éireann we are delighted that studies are underway on these key infrastructure developments. We believe strongly that providing frequent and reliable rail services to more and more communities will greatly assist in reducing reliance on private cars and will go a long way to meeting Ireland’s climate action targets.  This will help establish rail as the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network.”