It seems like forever waiting for a scheme to extend our railway system – then two arrive concurrently in a single week. Why now?
Earlier this week, it was declared that strategies to enlarge the Dart Service to serve 600,000 individuals, tripling its present network, is going to proceed after planning authorities gave the go-ahead to broaden the service to Maynooth, Co Kildare. The endeavour, formally known as Dart+ West, will increase train services alongside the Maynooth route. This is the introductory phase of Irish Rail’s expansion plans for Dart services, which also encompasses electrification of the rail line to Drogheda, Co Louth; Celbridge, Co Kildare; and a considerable capacity enhancement to Greystones, Co Wicklow.
So, was there another analysis released this week?
Indeed, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review’s conclusive report was issued on Wednesday. This report visualises offering intercity trains at speed of up to 200km/h, increased train frequency, novel services in the northwest, and the electrification of the intercity network. The Transport Minister Eamon Ryan extolled it as the most daring vision for rail in a century.
I’d be happy with punctual trains. When should we expect results?
The Dart service to Maynooth, which was initially revealed almost two decades ago, is projected to commence operations on the line by the close of the decade, as per Irish Rail. Other components will require more time. The All-Island Strategic Rail Review outlines investment goals for rail services going up to 2050. The government asserts that progress is already in motion with an hourly train service between Dublin and Belfast due imminently, and increased services between Dublin and Galway. However, history tells us that Irish transport initiatives have a tendency to get, well, sidetracked. Consequently, it might be a bit of a wait on the platform until major changes are visible.
This venture isn’t cheap, is it?
The Dart+ West initiative carries a €1 billion cost and envisions doubling the frequency of train services on the Maynooth line, boosting passenger capacity per hour from 5,000 to over 13,000 in each direction. It also intends to extend the railway line and its capacity. A comprehensive review for the entire island estimates that for the next 26 years, the complete plan would need a budget of €35 billion to €37 billion, based on last year’s costs, to be split between the two jurisdictions. This would equate to a yearly expenditure of around €1 billion in the State and £310 million (€368 million) in Northern Ireland. It is, without a doubt, an expensive proposition.
But, where does this leave our penchant for cars?
According to the Government, the objective is to make train travel quicker than car travel and to create a rail system that contributes to a carbon-neutral environment. This will primarily occur through the electrification of intercity routes from overhead power lines and the introduction of new electric trains.