The government has approved the Dart +West project.

The scheme includes expanding and transforming the rail network in the Greater Dublin Area.

The government has also given the go-ahead for the preliminary business case for the wider DART+ Programme.

DART+ will:

• Double passenger capacity per hour to 52,000 and treble the length of the DART network to 150km

• Facilitate sustainable mobility and transport-led housing development in the capital and surrounding counties

• Provide clean and green electrified rail services in line with the targets set in the Climate Action Plan.

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Funded under the National Development Plan, DART+ West is key to the entire programme and the project will see construction of a new depot near Maynooth as well as electrification of the current Maynooth Line and upgrade of infrastructure at both Connolly and Docklands stations in the city centre. Government approval means the project can enter the statutory planning system. Iarnród Éireann are currently considering submissions received during the second round of non-statutory public consultation on DART+ West and Iarnród Éireann will apply to An Bord Pleanála for a Railway Order in 2022.

Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. Minister for Transport said: "This is a hugely significant decision which fulfils one of our key public transport commitments in the Programme for Government. This is a tangible demonstration of progress, which will transform public transport and help us meet our climate goals. DART+ will double capacity and triple the length of the commuter network in the Greater Dublin Area. DART+ West, which will electrify the line to Maynooth is the first step and will also facilitate the development of the entire programme."