Plans to upgrade the rail commuter line from Heuston Station to Hazelhatch in County Dublin have been set out.

An application has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála for the Dart + South West project. This marks a key milestone for the project, which will greatly improve rail-based public transport in the area to benefit existing and future homes and businesses. 

The Dart + South West project will enable greater capacity and frequency on the route and will be accompanied by a significant investment in the railway fleet. The proposals will facilitate a future station and transport interchange at Kylemore (constructed under a later project) where the proposed Luas to Lucan, Dart + South West and bus services will interconnect as well as the provision of a new 'Heuston West' station. 

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If approved by An Bord Pleanala, the Railway Order will authorise CIÉ to carry out railway works and all works necessary to enable the construction, operation, maintenance and improvement of the railway between Dublin Heuston and Hazelhatch Celbridge (circa 16km) on the Cork Mainline (and Heuston Station to Glasnevin via the Phoenix Park Tunnel Branch Line).  Works will include the electrification of the line, widening of the rail corridor, completion of four-tracking and ancillary civil engineering and other works.  An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement have been submitted with the application.  

The last date for public consultation submissions to An Bord Pleanála is 16 May.