Major DART+ West Construction Works Begin This Weekend

Image credit: Matt walsh

A major milestone in the expansion of Dublin's DART network will be reached this weekend, as Irish Rail begins the first significant infrastructure works on the DART+ West project.

The works, which will take place between Hansfield and M3 Parkway from Friday night (October 30) until Monday morning (November 2), mark the beginning of physical construction on one of the biggest upgrades to Dublin's commuter rail network in decades.

What's Happening This Weekend?

The first phase of work involves lowering railway tracks beneath two road bridges between Hansfield and M3 Parkway.

This is necessary to create enough clearance for the overhead electrical wires that will eventually power the new DART trains. By lowering the tracks, Irish Rail can avoid having to raise or replace the existing bridges.

Around 120 Irish Rail personnel will work around the clock over the weekend to complete the operation.

The works will begin after the final train on Friday, October 30, with normal services expected to resume on Monday, November 2.

Service Disruptions

Passengers should be aware of the following changes:

  • Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1: No train services will operate between Clonsilla and M3 Parkway.

  • Replacement buses will serve Clonsilla, Hansfield, Dunboyne and M3 Parkway stations.

  • Bus transfers will operate to a revised schedule.

  • Normal train services are expected to resume on Monday morning.

Passengers travelling on the affected route should check the latest arrangements on the Irish Rail website before setting out.

What Will DART+ West Deliver?

DART+ West will extend electrified rail services from Dublin city centre towards Maynooth, Kilcock and M3 Parkway, bringing more frequent trains and increased passenger capacity to some of Dublin's busiest commuter routes.

The project includes several major improvements:

  • 40 km of electrification and signalling upgrades, allowing more frequent services.

  • A new station at Spencer Dock, providing a direct connection to the Luas Red Line.

  • Improvements at Connolly Station, including additional passenger access from Preston Street.

  • The closure of six level crossings, with alternative access arrangements provided where required.

  • A new DART maintenance depot west of Kilcock, subject to separate approval.

  • New electric trains to replace and supplement existing commuter services.

The wider DART+ programme aims to triple the length of Dublin's electrified rail network, from 50 km to 150 km, while doubling overall passenger capacity.

The programme will eventually bring DART services to destinations including Drogheda, Hazelhatch, Kilcock and M3 Parkway.

When Will Passengers See the Benefits?

While this weekend's work is an important step, it is just the beginning of a much larger construction programme.

Irish Rail has already ordered 285 new DART carriages, with the first trains expected to enter service on the Drogheda line in the second quarter of 2027.

For passengers on the western commuter lines, the coming years will see further infrastructure upgrades as the network is prepared for electrification and more frequent services.

For further details on this weekend's works, see Irish Rail's official announcement.

DART, DevelopmentMatt Walsh