DART + South West Project gets green light for planning – Higgins & Durkan

Progress was made today on delivering the DART + South West Project for commuters in Dublin South West and Kildare North.

The Government has agreed to enable a planning application for the project with An Bord Pleanála.

The DART + SW project will provide a sustainable, electrified, reliable and high-capacity rail service to passengers between Hazelhatch and Celbridge station and Dublin City Centre, including communities along the line near Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin & Fonthill and Adamstown stations.

Welcoming the news, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid West Emer Higgins said: “This is very welcome news for the many commuters living in Dublin Mid West who travel in and out of the city centre to work, and indeed for all commuters. The 20km line will see a capacity increase from the current peak of 1,900 passengers each way per hour up to approximately 13,200 passengers. This is hugely transformative for so many people and will offer so many more options for people who need to get into town.”

Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Bernard Durkan said: “Upon completion of the project, there will be an increase in frequency from 6 to 11 trains per hour along this route. This will include services which will operate to and from Heuston station and those that will use the Phoenix Park Tunnel to and from the Connolly station area. The extension of four-tracking on the Kildare line by 5km from east of Park West station to Heuston Station will benefit not only passengers of the new higher frequency DART services, but also intercity rail services using the Kildare line.”

Construction of the DART+ SW Project is anticipated for 2025. A four-year construction process would enable services launching in 2029, subject to funding.