Leixlip Councillors Ask DART+West Team To Reconsider Proposed Permanent Closure Of Level Crossing

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 11:16

By Daniel Maher

It's due to be closed to allow for the electrification of the line

Local councillors are liaising with the DART+ West team in relation to the proposed permanent closure of Blakestown Level Crossing in north Kildare.

It's due to be closed to make way for an electricity substation, which will allow for the electrification of the DART line there to be carried out.

Last weekend, "major" works began on the DART+West line.

The level crossing near Kilmacredock has been typically used as a gateway to access local canal Greenways, and has also been used as public access for the Leixlip route to Castletown House in Celbridge.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Social Democrats Councillor for Celbridge-Leixlip MD Nuala Killeen said it's important to encourage people to walk and cycle in this area:

"When you're talking about getting people to use the Greenway and get out in the fresh air, you want the most accessible beautiful routes for people to do that, it's a shame to close one when they spent millions [of euro] doing up the Greenway, so it doesn't really align."

"Now that it's at design stage and that the DART is really coming, it's just one of those aspects, not to forget this wonderful amenity, let's keep it open and encourage people to use the Greenway and travel on to Celbridge and Leixlip," she added.

DART+ West will see approximately 40 kilometres of railway electrified, extending DART services towards Kilcock and M3 Parkway and providing more frequent services for commuters travelling to and from Dublin.

The full interview can be heard below: