AtkinsRéalis has been selected by Irish Rail to lead the design for Dart+ West and South West initiatives.
- Dart+ West aims to double train frequency and more than double passenger capacity in the Greater Dublin Area.
- Dart+ South West will significantly enhance capacity, focusing on optimising existing routes.
- Both projects seek to revolutionise public transport with reliable, frequent, and electrified services.
- The appointment marks a crucial phase in Ireland’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions.
AtkinsRéalis, a leading name in infrastructure design, has been appointed by Irish Rail to spearhead the design facet of the Dart+ West and Dart+ South West projects. These projects form the cornerstone of the ambitious Dart+ Programme, aimed at enhancing public transport within the Greater Dublin Area.
The Dart+ West project is set to make substantial improvements, covering approximately 40 kilometres of track. Existing stations between Maynooth Station and M3 Parkway Station to Connolly Station, including the proposed Spencer Dock Station, will see increased services. The goal is to double the train frequency to 12 per hour per direction and expand passenger capacity from 5,000 to 13,200.
Meanwhile, the Dart+ South West project intends to optimise the railway line stretching from Hazelhatch & Celbridge Station to Heuston Station, and from Heuston to Glasnevin via the Phoenix Park Tunnel Branch Line. This will equate to increasing service capacity from 12 to 23 trains per hour, with a passenger capacity surge from 5,000 to 20,000.
These enhancements will introduce newly electrified trains, thereby reducing carbon emissions and alleviating road congestion. Both projects represent significant strides towards a sustainable transport network in line with Ireland’s National Planning Framework.
AtkinsRéalis is tasked with Phase 5a of these projects, which involves reviewing previous designs and preparing crucial contract documents for procuring contractors in the upcoming phases. Their involvement leverages their vast expertise in delivering infrastructural projects, including their previous services provided for the Dart+ South West through to the Railway Order.
This phase, as highlighted by Irish Rail’s programme director Colm Reynolds, is pivotal for connecting communities through improved public transport, reinforcing Ireland’s dedication to a Net Zero future. AtkinsRéalis’ Tony Mortimer emphasised the transformative potential of these advancements for regional connectivity.
The design and expansion of the Dart+ network embody Ireland’s progressive steps towards a greener and more efficient public transport system.
