UK consulting engineer Arup has been appointed by Irish rail operator Iarnród Éireann to work on an upgrade of Dart, the Dublin Area Rapid Transit system, and the largest rail project in Ireland’s history. Â
The Dart+ programme aims to dramatically increase the capacity of train services in the greater Dublin area and create a 150km network. Arup will work as a multidisciplinary design consultants for the coastal route, from Drogheda in the north to Greystones in the south.
The work will involve electrifying a 37km stretch between Malahide and Drogheda, upgrading junctions, removing level crossings, strengthening bridges and upgrading signalling, telecoms and power systems.
The aim of the project is to boost passenger capacity from 17,980 to 26,680 an hour in each direction and improve the system’s carbon emissions and reliability.
Eamon Ryan, Ireland’s transport minister, said: "This is another important step in delivering the overall Dart+ programme, which will be the single biggest investment in the rail network ever.
"Improving our rail infrastructure between Drogheda and Greystones forms an important part of this transformative programme of investment in rail across the Greater Dublin Area."
Image: A Dart 8520 at Connolly railway station (Randwick/Public Domain)
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