Major DART+ Depot Confirmed For Maynooth-Kilcock Area But No Extra Stop Confirmed For Locals

Thursday, 22 January 2026 16:18

By Martin Osborne

While the precise site has not been finalised, it has been confirmed the depot will be located between Maynooth and Kilcock, potentially just outside Kilcock.

A major DART+ train depot is to be built in the Maynooth-Kilcock area but there is no commitment to a passenger station.

The confirmation was given in the Dáil on Tuesday night by Minister Jerry Buttimer, responding on behalf of the Transport Minister, to Social Democrats Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly.

The depot will provide stabling, washing and maintenance for the expanded DART fleet and is described as essential to the DART+ programme, including DART+ South West.

While the precise site has not been finalised, it has been confirmed the depot will be located between Maynooth and Kilcock, potentially just outside Kilcock.

However, there is no approval for a passenger stop near the depot.

Deputy Farrelly has warned that Kilcock residents could be left living beside a large rail facility, with noise and light pollution, without any direct transport benefit.

"If we can deliver a station as far as the depot, that would make massive sense from a future planning perspective," Deputy Farrelly said.

The Minister also confirmed that Compulsory Purchase Order processes for DART+ South West will begin this year, with construction of DART+ West expected to start in 2027.

More from Local News

Healthcare Course Shortage Targeted With 1,100 New College Places

The expansion, announced by Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless, comes as demand for healthcare degrees continues to outstrip supply - forcing many Irish students to go overseas to study.
INMO Suspend Work-To-Rule At Naas General Hospital

It follows last weeks implementation of industrial action, with nurses at the hospital citing unacceptable and unsafe staffing deficits
Kfm Obituary Announcements (Saturday)

Obituary announcements are broadcast daily at 8am, 10am, 5pm and 1pm
Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news
Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".