Calls Made To Fast Track Plans To Extend DART To Wicklow Town

Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore is calling for the government to make the extension of the electric DART to Wicklow Town a top priority.

This comes after Deputy Whitmore meets with the National Transport Authority regarding works on the project.

 Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Whitmore said:

“The National Transport Authority has confirmed that Iarnród Éireann contracted a team to conduct an options analysis regarding the required infrastructure changes needed to bring the DART to Wicklow. This review is looking at the infrastructure that is required to be put in place, such as double tracking, if a passing loop would be required, and what would be necessary in the way of chargers for the new battery-powered train charges 90 of which have been ordered by Iarnrod Éireann.

“The NTA has told me this process has started, and it is due to be completed by September 2024. I welcome this development, however there are significant barriers to overcome with the project.  

“It has yet to be confirmed by the NTA or Iarnrod Éireann that any of these new carriages will be made available to the Wicklow line. There is also no government funding yet been made available for the delivery of the electric DART to Wicklow.

 “I want to see the DART delivered to Wicklow town, but government promises not backed up by the funding and the political will to deliver it won’t keep this project on track. I will keep on top of this with the Minister for Transport and fight to ensure Wicklow is a top priority for DART extension in the coming years.”