Delivering the DART+ Programme
Iarnród Éireann launched advertisements for pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for five works programmes enabling the delivery of the DART+ Programme in May 2025.
Two of the PQQs relate to design and build single supplier frameworks to be used across the entire DART+ Programme. One PQQ pertains to the electrification of the extended DART+ network, while the other relates to civil and structural works.
Two of the remaining PQQ notices pertain to design and build works for the new Spencer Dock Station in Dublin city centre, and Connolly station works, which includes the development of a new station entrance at Preston Street. The final PQQ pertains to rail systems for DART+ South West, including four-tracking between Park West and Heuston Station, and remodelling of the Hueston Station track layout.
Iarnród Éireann aims for contracts to be awarded for the work programmes by the end of 2026, subject to approval and funding. All PQQs have been advertised through the Official Journal of the European Union.
Iarnród Éireann is planning a further framework PQQ process for signalling works for the programme, along with a PQQ for the DART+ depot which is being progressed under a railway order.
Railway orders
Railway orders have been approved by An Bord Pleanála for DART+ West and DART+ South West which will facilitate the commencement of enabling works of DART+ infrastructure in 2026. The DART+ West railway order provides for the following infrastructure improvements:
- 40km of electrification and re-signalling of the Maynooth and M3 Parkway lines to the city centre;
- construction of a second station entrance on Preston Street and rail capacity enhancements at Connolly Station;
- construction of a new station at Spencer Dock with direct interchange with the Luas Red Line;
- construction of a new DART depot facility west of Maynooth Station, to maintain the new DART+ fleet; and
- deployment of new electric DART carriages on the Maynooth and M3 Parkway services.
The DART+ South West railway order provides for the following infrastructure improvements:
- 20km of electrification and re-signalling of the Hazelhatch and Celbridge line to Heuston and the south city via Phoenix Park tunnel;
- construction of a new station at Heuston West serving the Clancy Quay and Island Bridge community;
- four-tracking of the Parkwest and Cherry Orchard Station to Heuston line to enhance capacity;
- upgrade of the Phoenix Park tunnel; and
- deployment of new electric DART carriages on Hazelhatch and Celbridge services.
- A railway order application for the DART+ Coastal North was lodged with An Bord Pleanála in July 2024. The application seeks permission to extend the electrified DART network from Malahide to Drogheda MacBride Station. It would increase the number of passengers per hour per direction from 4,800 to 8,800.
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, says: “With two railway order approvals from An Bord Pleanála, and a decision awaited on a third, we have reached another milestone in the transformative DART+ Programme as we advertise to the market to help deliver these major works.”
A total of 185 carriages have also been ordered for the DART+ fleet, and a framework contract with French fleet manufacturer Alston enables a fleet of up 750 carriages. The first 10 carriages – comprising two five-carriage trains – have already been delivered. They have commenced the testing, commissioning, and regulatory processing of these trains and they are expected to begin entering service during 2026.
Aims and benefits
The DART+ Programme aims to expand the DART network from 50km to over 150km across the Greater Dublin Area. Iarnród Eireann is collaborating with the National Transport Authority to deliver the programme to meet the aims outlined in the National Development Plan which lays out a transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
It has been designed to double the passenger capacity for rail services from 26,000 passenger journeys per direction per hour to 52,000. Meade says: “Doubling the passenger capacity and trebling the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area network will allow so many more commuters choose rail, as the backbone of our sustainable transport network.”
The DART+ programme was designed to “promote multi modal transit, active transport, boost regional connectivity and make public transport the preferred option for more and more people” and “deliver frequent, modern, electrified services within the Greater Dublin Area”. Five areas for development are included in the Programme:
- DART+ West: Maynooth and M3 Parkway to city centre;
- DART+ South West: Hazelhatch and Celbridge to city centre;
- DART+ Coastal North: Drogheda to city centre;
- DART+ Coastal South: Greystones to city centre; and
- DART+ FLEET: Purchase of new train fleet to increase train services.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD says: “The DART+ Programme is central to our commitments under the Programme for Government to develop a strategic public transport network, specifically to provide the capacity and electrification to serve new and existing communities for generations to come.
“With DART+ trains already in testing, and infrastructure enabling works beginning in 2026, we are firmly into the delivery phase of an investment that will make a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of commuters daily.”
