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DART + West Rail Capacity Expansion

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Tripling DART Rail Capacity Through Environmental Services

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Environmental ConsultingEnvironmental Consulting

Industry

Railroads & Rail Yards

Location

Ireland

DART+ West is a transformative phase of the DART+ Programme, which will significantly increase rail capacity along the Maynooth Line, running from Dublin’s city centre to Maynooth and M3 Parkway to the west. With DART+ West’s implementation, passenger capacity on this line will grow from 4,500 to 13,200 passengers per hour by 2025, marking a substantial improvement in public transport options for the Greater Dublin Area. Major infrastructure upgrades include the electrification and re-signalling of approximately 40 kilometres of rail, capacity enhancements at Connolly Station, a new station at Spencer Dock, and the construction of a maintenance depot west of Maynooth.

 

Challenge

The aim is to create a sustainable, low-carbon transit network that alleviates road congestion, supports economic growth, and strengthens connectivity. DART+ West’s integration with Luas and the proposed MetroLink stations will offer improved multimodal connections, creating a more accessible, efficient, and climate-friendly urban transportation system for Dublin’s future. However, with any infrastructure project, there is the potential for environmental impacts.

The project will also incorporate the closure of level crossings and necessary bridge replacements to accommodate electrification, alongside various substations, electrical buildings, and other essential facilities.

Solutions

AWN Consulting Ltd., a Trinity Consultants team, provided essential environmental services for the DART+ West project, conducting baseline monitoring, detailed 3D modelling, and offering expert witness services at the oral hearing. Working as a sub-consultant to Roughan & O’Donovan on the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), AWN focused on noise & vibration, air quality, and climate impact assessments, crucial for understanding and mitigating potential impacts on the environment and surrounding communities.

 

Services Performed

The team carried out baseline environmental investigations and monitoring, developed detailed 3D impact models, and conducted noise, vibration, air quality, and climate assessments. They provided expert witness services at oral hearings and supported EIAR preparation in collaboration with project partners.

Results

The EIAR was submitted in July 2022 to An Bord Pleanála and an oral hearing was held in October 2023. In July 2024, a decision to grant the Railway Order for the project was made by An Bord Pleanála. DART+ West was the first step in a wider expansion of the DART, which aims to significantly increase the provision of a renewable energy powered transportation network.

 

3X

Increase in hourly passenger capacity: from 4,500 to 13,200

40 KM

Rail electrification and re-signaling completed

1

major Railway Order granted by An Bord Pleanála in 2024