All Aboard! Full Steam Ahead for Greystones-Bray Rail Upgrade

Councillor Welcomes Long Awaited Start of DART+ Coastal South Project

The Greystones councillor Stephen Stokes has welcomed confirmation that the long-awaited DART+ Coastal South Project is finally set to move forward.

Stage One of the project will focus on the Greystones to Bray section, and if all goes to plan, Irish Rail hopes to run DART trains to and from Greystones every twenty minutes.

The upgrade will tackle one of the most constrained stretches of the coastal line, including modernising signalling systems, improving telecommunications, and boosting the power supply.

Some sections of track may also be doubled, allowing trains to pass further along the line. Public consultation dates are expected once preliminary design work begins, giving local communities the chance to have their say.

Councillor Stokes has been a long-time advocate for the project, pressing both the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail to prioritise it. He highlighted the need for action during meetings of Wicklow County Council and the Transport Committee, which he chairs.

"Reliable public transport is crucial to our modern economy. These upgrades should encourage more people to choose the train over the car, reducing congestion and cutting carbon emissions. It’s also a boost for local businesses, tourism, and for everyone who wants to see Wicklow better connected."

The DART+ Coastal South initiative forms part of a broader effort by Irish Rail to upgrade the commuter network.

Councillor Stokes stressed that while the announcement is welcome, maintaining momentum is essential.

"We have been waiting a long time for this project to commence, so it is vital that this first stage progresses efficiently. I will continue to engage closely with Irish Rail and the NTA to ensure that Wicklow remains front and centre in transport planning."

For more information, visit dartplus.ie.