The capacity on the section between Malahide and Drogheda will be nearly doubled from around 4,800 to 8,000 passengers at peak hours when the project is complete.
It aims to increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the northern route between Dublin city, Malahide, Howth and Drogheda, with the increase in services subject to demand and will be part of a separate timetable consultation process with the National Transport Authority.
The planned improvements as part of DART+ Coastal North will include 37km of electrification and re-signalling of the railway line between Malahide and Drogheda MacBride Stations.
There will be reconstruction of the existing track layout and associated infrastructure around Drogheda MacBride, Malahide, Clongriffin, Howth Junction and Donaghmede stations.
A new platform will be established at Drogheda MacBride Station, and infrastructure to enable “operational flexibility” for both direct Howth to city and Howth to Howth Junction DART shuttle services as required.
All civil, bridge and ancillary works will take place as necessary to accommodate the project, along with the improvement of Howth Junction and Donaghmede stations.
Stock image of the Dart in Dublin.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – August 20th
There will also be modifications made to Fairview and Drogheda train depots to support the new train fleet and a reconfiguration of the track layout north of Malahide to provide a train turnback facility that does not move rail operations nearer to adjacent residences.
The procurement process will now commence for design and build contractors, a spokesperson for Irish Rail said.
A period of detailed design and construction will both follow.
“Subject to funding being allocated it is anticipated that construction will be in the region of three years,” they added.
Iarnród Éireann chief executive Jim Meade said today is a “great day for the communities of north Dublin and Louth” as the provision of Dart services will “transform commuting for the existing and new communities along this railway corridor”.
“It will make travelling with us more sustainable, more frequent and more reliable,” he said.
“This is the third DART+ project to receive planning. DART+ West Railway Order was granted in July 2024 and DART+ South West was granted In November 2024. Work is underway on preliminary design for DART+ Coastal South and for DART+ Depot.
“The DART+ programme, when delivered will truly revolutionise commuting in the Greater Dublin Area and assist in meeting Ireland’s climate action targets by reducing reliance on the private car and providing sustainable high frequency, high capacity transport.
Hugh Creegan from the National Transport Authority said the approval of the project is a “significant milestone in the transformation of rail services in the Greater Dublin Area and for the communities across North Dublin, East Meath, and Louth”.
“This is more than about infrastructure. It is about connecting growing communities with sustainable, frequent and reliable transport that supports local development and helps reduce car dependency.
“Reaching this milestone marks an important step in delivering a better-connected public transport for the region.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the decision, which enables overhead electric wires to be extended from Malahide to Drogheda and will facilitate a “significant improvement in train capacity and frequency on the Northern commuter line, following project procurement and construction”.