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Electrification of and Provision of Rolling Stock on the Dublin Suburban Network

Project Title Electrification of and Provision of Rolling Stock on the Dublin Suburban NetworkIanrod Eireann Logo
   Electrification of and Provision of Rolling Stock on the Dublin Suburban Network
Project Description The DART Underground project involves (i) the electrification of the Maynooth line, the Kildare line (to Hazelhatch) and the Northern line to Drogheda and (ii) the acquisition of electric railcars for use on the newly electrified lines.

The DART Underground tunnel will effectively allow the integration of all existing and new Dublin suburban rail lines, and facilitate interchange between them. However, diesel trains cannot operate in tunnels such as the DART Underground, so all routes using it must therefore use electric traction identical to that of the current DART. In effect, there will be a requirement to electrify the Northern line to Drogheda, the whole of the Maynooth line and the Kildare line as far as Hazelhatch. There will also be a requirement to purchase a significant number of electric multiple units (EMUs) to service such routes.

As electric rolling stock can accelerate faster, the possibility of faster journey times and increased frequencies will be an added bonus to the through-service and interchange benefits. The electric trains will contribute towards a cleaner environment for all as well as providing a very real alternative to the use of the private car.
Projected Completion Date 2015 (subject to the relevant statutory process and the procurement and contract award processes, the start and completion dates of projects which have not yet commenced, including the Electrification of and provision of Rolling Stock on the Dublin Suburban Network, will also be determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate).
Current Status of Project The issue is being examined in the context of developing plans for the DART Underground, although the possibility of carrying out some preparatory work will be explored when the Kildare Route Project is being developed. Approval has been granted for intial scoping of the works involved on the Maynooth line and this is currently underway.
Link

http://www.irishrail.ie/projects/IE_Investment_Plans.asp


Last updated: 11/05/2010

 




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