New Dart Carriages Can Comfortably Pass Through Bray Head Tunnels Despite Rumours

Speculation was rife following the slow introduction of the new DART+ fleet along the Bray Head section of the commuter line.

The new Dart carriages can safely pass through the Bray Head tunnels linking Bray and Greystones despite rumours to the contrary.

Speculation had gained traction on social media for some time following the slow introduction of the new fleet along the line highlighted by three Victorian-era tunnels.

For some time also there had been overhead line works being carried out in the historic tunnels.

The Irish Times reports rail bosses denied that it was the case says there is “no truth” to suggestions the trains are incompatible with the line.

An Irish Rail employee told the paper that the new fleet had been specifically designed for operation across the existing rail network.

The company confirmed that some modification works are taking place to overhead line equipment within the Bray Head tunnels, but stressed the changes are minor and linked to updated technical standards.

Irish Rail said no excavation works or lowering of track levels are required.

The tunnels through Bray Head date back to the 1850's and remain a significant bottleneck on the rail network, with only a single track available through part of the route.

The line is shared by Dart services as well as trains travelling to Wicklow and Rosslare.

Irish Rail has ordered 750 new carriages from French manufacturer Alstom as part of the wider Dart+ expansion project.

The first trains have already undergone testing, but their introduction into passenger service has been delayed.

Originally expected to enter service last year, the timeline has since shifted to next year following issues relating to battery pack certification.

When completed, the Dart+ programme will expand the Dart network from 50 kilometres to 150 kilometres, extending services further across Dublin and into surrounding commuter areas.