Ryan rolls out Dart expansion to Drogheda and into Kildare
A MAJOR extension of the Dart network was announced yesterday that will include two new lines into Co. Kildare and an extension north into Co. Louth.
The plan includes new services to Maynooth/M3 Parkway on the Sligo Line, to Hazelhatch and Celbridge on the Kildare Line, and an extension beyond Malahide on the Northern Line as far as Drogheda.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said: ‘I believe that these Dart+ plans are so important. We know that when people are offered a sustainable alternative to commuting by car, people respond positively.’
However, Social Democrats’ transport spokeswoman Catherine Murphy said: ‘Despite huge population growth in Kildare in recent decades, chronic under-investment in public transport has negatively impacted on the lives of local commuters, resulting in unsustainable car journeys to Dublin city.
‘While any investment in our public transport network is to be welcomed, it must be noted that this announcement is an enhancement of an existing rail network. The Dart underground continues to be the missing piece in the jigsaw if we are to achieve a fully integrated, future-proofed public transport system that will get people permanently out of their cars.’
Iarnród Éireann chief Jim Meade said: ‘Dart has been one of the nation’s major public transport success stories and Dart+, with Dart+ West as its first phase, will bring sustainable, fast and frequent train services to tens of thousands of new and existing customers.
‘We encourage commuters, residents, communities and all stakeholders to participate in the public consultation to ensure we understand and incorporate their views in the ongoing design process.’