Irish Rail make commitment to reduce commuter disruption while DART West is being constructed

Last week, Irish Rail came in to speak to at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, on which I sit.

During my questions, I put a focus on the DART West project, looking for detail on timelines, and the measures that Irish Rail are taking to minimize the impact on all of us who use the existing services on the Maynooth Line.

In response to my questions, Irish Rail were able to clarify that they expect major works to being on DART West in 2028. Importantly, Irish Rail confirmed that much of the work will take place during weekends or over holiday periods such as Christmas, which will reduce impacts on commuters during the week. Bus alternatives will be put in place for times when the existing train line is not in operation.

The representatives from Irish Rail said they hoped to see the DART West works completed and the new DART services up and running by the end of 2032.

Obviously, there will be significant impacts on communities living close to the Maynooth line due to level crossing closures, bridge raising etc, during the building process. I was pleased that Irish Rail confirmed that a Community Engagement Officer will be appointed by the middle of 2027, and that Community Engagement Fora will be set up covering various sections of the line, so Irish Rail and the contractors undertaking the work can have a dialogue with local residents and sort out issues as the arise.

I’m a really big supporter of the DART West project, but an upgrade of this scale is going to have impacts on all of us who use the Maynooth line, or live close to it. I’ll continue to work with Irish Rail, and whoever is appointed as the contractor to deliver the project, to ensure that residents across Dublin West are kept update on the works, and that disruptions are kept to a minimum.

You can watch a video of my engagement with Irish Rail here: https://youtu.be/e5dottYPSLM?si=rYsUOHh_egR5CU_m

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