It has been eight years since Ireland last delivered a fixed rail project – the Luas cross-city line, which was delivered efficiently, albeit with inevitable disruption. Since then headlines have been dominated by plans for new projects – including the giant Metrolink – but little enough by way of construction work.
In this context, the expansion of the Dart network is a a vital element. It may not be as dramatic as the Metro, but it could offer better connectivity to a host of areas around Dublin and beyond into some of the commuter counties. Like all major infrastructure plans, various aspects of this strategy have been proceeding slowly through the planning and in some cases a procurement process.
The announcement this week that two legal challenges to the Dart+West project will be avoided due to agreements being reached with two businesses in the Ashtown area is welcome. While the details of these agreements have not been revealed, studies had shown that the two businesses would be the most seriously affected in the area from work on the new line. Now a way has been found to deliver the huge advantages to the public, while avoiding the uncertainties of the legal process.
New planning laws can help to lessen spurious objections, but it is also necessary to deal with genuine ones – like those held by the two businesses – if vital projects like this are to proceed. And ideally without recourse to the courts.
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The Dart project is also proceeding on other fronts, too, with an announcement this week of a proposed new station in Cabra on the Dart+ South West project. Strikingly, 26,000 people live within 1Km of the chosen location. The idea emerged from a public consultation process.
The Dart expansion is part of a complex web of projects planned for Dublin, also including Bus Connects and the Metro. Progressing these is vital to get people out of their cars, cut emissions and open up new land for housing. We must presume that the necessary funds will be set aside in the revised National Development Plan, which is due shortly.
