West Dublin and Kildare commuters can look forward to improved rail services in the future as plans for a new DART+ South West line have been finalised.
The line will provide "fast, high-frequency and electrified" rail service to communities along the route at Islandbridge, Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin, Adamstown, and Celbridge and Hazelhatch. A new station at Heuston West will be built to facilitate the the project.
The extension plans are set to move into the planning system by the end of the month and involves 20km of new electrified track. It will also the electrification of the Phoenix Park Tunnel along with the wider route, allowing DART trains to operate between Hazelhatch/Celbridge and Connolly station, as well as Heuston station.
Read more: Eamon Ryan's 'free public transport' comments slammed as 'ridiculous' by Dublin councillor
The Department of Transport said that subject to planning permission and final funding arrangements, construction works for DART + South West could commence in 2025, with delivery of the infrastructure by the end of the decade.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said the project will" transform the lives of people living in communities along the route".
"It also means that we can move ahead with good, transport led planning, facilitating vital affordable new housing along the route," he added. "I look forward to the DART+ Programme rolling-out further in the coming years.
"We’ll start this with the delivery of the first batch of 90 new DART carriages arriving next year. This will see new DART services between Drogheda and Dublin city from early 2025, before then expanding to other areas including Hazelhatch and Celbridge.”
Read next:
Frustrating stats show Dublin is Europe's second worst city for traffic
Colin Farrell's youngest son will be his 'plus one' for Oscars ceremony
RTE and First Dates Ireland star Jordan Dunbar sadly dies aged 29
Heartbroken family plan double funeral for sisters who died weeks apart
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
