The DART+ Coastal North Project is an element of the DART+ Programme which seeks to expand the electrification of the rail network and increase the capacity of the railway infrastructure to support enhanced levels of service between the city centre and Drogheda. The DART+ Coastal North project will not define the precise DART service pattern on the route on the day of opening, but considers what is required to provide a number of train paths on a particular section of the line.
To assist in the design development and assessment of the DART+ Coastal North project, various assumptions have been made about the timetable which will be used in the future. This includes the number and type of train services serving each station, including elements such as an hourly Enterprise train service between Belfast and Dublin. The introduction of more services stopping at all stations between Drogheda and Dublin city does have the potential to impact the journey time of the Enterprise services; however the scale of any impact will be dependent on a range of factors such as the build-up of the timetable, the signalling system in operation and the functional characteristics of the train fleet. Of further relevance, in addition to the DART+ Programme, the Department of Transport is progressing plans with Iarnród Éireann to enhance the current Enterprise services including potential for increased frequency, journey time reductions and new fleet.
Further detailed assessment will be undertaken when there is greater certainty on the range of factors that will influence the service delivery for both the DART+ Programme and the Dublin – Belfast Enterprise service.
Noting the Iarnród Éireann's role in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the IÉ for a more detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
