Major DART+ West Works To Begin This Weekend As Plans To Extend Electric Rail Services To Kilcock Progress

The project will bring more frequent electric rail services to Kilcock, while passengers on the M3 Parkway line face disruption this weekend

The first major infrastructure works on the DART+ West project are set to begin this weekend, marking a significant step towards extending electric rail services to Kilcock in County Kildare.

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that work will get underway on Friday, October 30th, as part of the wider project to improve rail capacity and services across the Greater Dublin Area.

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 project also includes plans for a new DART depot west of Kilcock Station, subject to separate planning approval.

Weekend Disruption

The initial works will involve lowering railway tracks beneath two bridges between Hansfield and M3 Parkway to allow for the installation of overhead electrical lines.

Work will begin after the last train service on Friday, October 30th, and continue throughout the weekend, with normal services expected to resume on Monday, November 2nd.

As a result, there will be **no train services between Clonsilla and M3 Parkway on Saturday, October 31st, or Sunday, November 1st.**

Replacement bus services will operate between Clonsilla, Hansfield, Dunboyne and M3 Parkway stations on a revised timetable.

Around 120 Iarnród Éireann personnel will work around the clock to complete the works.

What Will DART+ West Mean For Kildare?

Once completed, DART+ West is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity for Kilcock and surrounding communities.

The project will bring DART-style frequency to services between Kilcock, M3 Parkway and Dublin, increasing capacity and providing commuters with more sustainable transport options.

Other planned improvements include a new station at Spencer Dock, providing direct access to the Luas Red Line, and upgrades at Connolly Station.

Six level crossings along the route will also close, with alternative access arrangements provided where required.

The wider DART+ Programme will increase the electrified rail network in the Greater Dublin Area from 50 kilometres to 150 kilometres, extending services to Kilcock/M3 Parkway, Hazelhatch and Drogheda.

It aims to double passenger capacity from 26,000 to 52,000 journeys per direction per hour.

A total of 285 new electric and battery-electric carriages have already been ordered, with the first trains expected to enter service on the Drogheda line in the second quarter of 2027.

The DART+ Programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.