View source for Dublin Area Rapid Transit

{{short description|Commuter rail network in Dublin, Ireland}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width                       = auto
| name                            = Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART)
| other_name                      = DART
| native_name                     = Mearlíne Átha Cliath
| native_name_lang                = ga
| color                           = 4A5D23
| logo                            = Dublin Area Rapid Transit Logo.svg
| logo_width                      = 150px
| logo_alt                        = 
| image                           = File:8622 Dublin Connolly.jpg
| image_width                     = 300px
| image_alt                       = 
| caption                         = An 8520 Class DART train (8622) at [[Connolly station]]
| type                            = [[Commuter rail|Commuter Rail]]
| system                          = 
| status                          = Active
| locale                          = [[Dublin]], Ireland
| start                           = [[Malahide railway station|Malahide]]/[[Howth railway station|Howth]]
| end                             = [[Greystones railway station|Greystones]]
| stations                        = 32
| routes                          = 2
| daily_ridership                 = 
| ridership2                      = 
| planopen                        = <!--{{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}}-->
| open                            = 23 July 1984
| lastextension                   = 9 October 2000
| event1label                     = Last station opening
| event1                          = 10 August 2025
| close                           = 
| owner                           = [[Iarnród Éireann]]
| operator                        = [[Iarnród Éireann]]
| character                       = 
| depot                           = [[Fairview DART depot]]
| stock                           = [[CIÉ 8100 Class|8100 Class]]<br />[[IE 8500, 8510 and 8520 Classes|8500, 8510 and 8520 Classes]]
| linelength                      = {{Convert|53|km|abbr=on}}
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = 1–2
| gauge                           = {{Track gauge|1600mm|lk=on}}
| old_gauge                       = 
| load_gauge                      = 
| minradius                       = 
| racksystem                      = 
| routenumber                     = 
| linenumber                      = 
| electrification                 = {{1,500 V DC}} [[Overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| speed                           = {{Convert|100|km/h|abbr=on}}
| elevation                       = 
| website                         = http://www.irishrail.ie/
| map                             = {{Dublin Area Rapid Transit RDT|inline=1}}
| map_name                        = 
| map_state                       = collapsed
}}

The '''Dublin Area Rapid Transit''' system (stylised as '''DART''') is an electrified [[commuter rail]] railway network serving the coastline and city of [[Dublin]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. The service makes up the core of Dublin's [[Dublin Suburban Rail|suburban railway network]], stretching from [[Greystones]], [[County Wicklow]], in the south to [[Howth]] and [[Malahide]] in north [[County Dublin]]. The DART serves 32 stations and consists of 53 route kilometres of electrified railway ({{Cvt|46|km}} double track, {{Cvt|7|km}} single), and carries in the region of 20 million passengers per year.<ref name="Woodbrook"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engineersireland.ie/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=HmVoVZPgEIs%3D&portalid=0&resourceView=1|title=DART Expansion – National Development Plan (2018–2027)|website=www.engineersireland.ie|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004051822/https://www.engineersireland.ie/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=HmVoVZPgEIs%3D&portalid=0&resourceView=1|url-status=live}}</ref> In a similar manner to the [[Berlin S-Bahn]], the DART blends elements of a [[commuter rail]] service and a [[rapid transit]] system.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Barry |first=Michael |title=Through the Cities: The Revolution in Light Rail |publisher=Frankfort Press |year=1991 |isbn=9780951069639 |location=Dublin |pages=234 |language=en}}</ref>

The DART system was established by [[CIÉ|Córas Iompair Éireann]] in 1984 to replace an ageing fleet of diesel-powered locomotives. It was, and still is, the only electric mainline railway in Ireland, and one of two currently operating electric railways, the other being the [[Luas]] tram which opened in 2004. Since 1987, the service is operated by [[Iarnród Éireann]], Ireland's national rail operator. Contemporary [[rolling stock]] on the DART network is powered by {{1,500 V DC}} [[overhead line]]s and uses the {{Track gauge|Irish|al=on|first=met}}.

The network is being significantly expanded in the 2020s as part of the [[Dublin Area Rapid Transit#DART+|DART+]] project, with future services to run to [[Drogheda]], [[County Louth]], [[Celbridge]] and [[Maynooth]] in [[County Kildare]] and [[Dunboyne]], [[County Meath]].

==History==

===Initial development===
The section of trackbed between [[Dún Laoghaire]] and Dublin City was originally laid out as part of the [[Dublin and Kingstown Railway]], Ireland's first railway. This line was later connected with the Belfast mainline to the north and Wexford mainline to the south and joined the [[Harcourt Street railway line|Harcourt Street line]] at Shanganagh Junction. The scenic views from the railway over [[Dublin Bay]] at this point have been compared to those on the [[Gulf of Naples]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wonderfulireland.ie/east/killiney-bay/#/|title=Killiney Bay|website=wonderfulireland.ie|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720235252/http://www.wonderfulireland.ie/east/killiney-bay/#/|archive-date=20 July 2015}}</ref> and have resulted in trips to [[Killiney Hill]] and [[Greystones]] along the line becoming tourist attractions.

Prior to electrification in 1984, the line was operated using 1950s-era [[CIÉ 2600 Class]] rail cars which had been converted in the early 1970s to [[Push-pull train|push-pull operation]]. These diesel-powered trains were powered by a [[CIE 201 Class]] locomotive, with a driving trailer carriage on the other end. This service was notoriously uncomfortable, unreliable, and overcrowded. By the late 1970s, the need for an urgent upgrade to the system had become apparent, as the 2600 Class railcars were in poor condition. Replacement parts had become difficult to obtain due to the age of the rolling stock and its conversion to push-pull operation, which had been intended as a temporary measure until a more permanent solution could be established, had come to the end of its serviceable life.

After studies in the early 1970s, the Dublin Rapid Rail Transit Study, published in 1975, recommended the construction of a rapid transit system with 2 lines: the first one between {{rws|Howth}} and 'Ronanstown Centre', a station to be located roughly where {{rws|Clondalkin/Fonthill}} is today, and navigating the city centre via [[DART Underground|a cross-city tunnel]]; and the second line between {{rws|Bray}} and '[[Blanchardstown]] Centre'. The two lines would intersect at an [[interchange station|interchange]] known as 'Dublin Central'. Additionally, branches were to be constructed to serve the suburbs of [[Ballymun]] and [[Tallaght]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tailtetours.com/post/this-is-40-celebrating-four-decades-of-dart-trains|title=This is 40: Celebrating four decades of DART Trains|date=2024-07-22|access-date=2025-01-31|website=Táilte Tours}}</ref>

The first phase of the project (Howth–Bray) would receive CIÉ approval in 1977, and government approval on 31 May 1979 amidst the [[1979 European Parliament election in Ireland|1979 European elections]]. [[Linke-Hofmann-Busch]] would win the contract and supply [[CIÉ 8100 Class|40 EMUs]], beginning trials in March 1983. Public services began on 23 July 1984 and be inaugurated by Taoiseach [[Garret FitzGerald]] on 22 October of that year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Irish Railway Factsheet: Coras Iompair Éireann|website=Irish Railway Record Society|access-date=2025-01-31|url=https://irrs.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IRRS_Factsheets_CIE.pdf|pages=5-6}}</ref> The rest of the study would not be implemented reportedly due to a lack of funds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/dublin-light-rail-1.75244|title=Dublin Light Rail|website=[[Irish Times]]|date=1996-09-09|access-date=2025-01-31}}</ref>

In conjunction with electrification, three disused stations at [[Sandymount railway station|Sandymount]], [[Booterstown railway station|Booterstown]] and [[Salthill and Monkstown railway station|Salthill and Monkstown]] were reopened for the DART in 1984. Sandymount and Booterstown were each built at the sites of a previous station while Salthill and Monkstown was built near the site of the original Kingstown railway terminus, between [[Seapoint]] and [[Dún Laoghaire]]. As electrification work was undertaken from 1981–1982, a spur which had served the [[Dún Laoghaire Harbour|ferry port at Dún Laoghaire]] was disconnected from the mainline as the installation of overhead power lines to service the harbour would have necessitated the lowering of the track which travelled through a portal south of Dún Laoghaire station.

Early DART services ran from the north-eastern suburb of [[Howth]], through [[Connolly Station|Connolly]], Tara Street, and [[Pearse Station|Pearse]] stations in the city centre and on to [[Bray, County Wicklow|Bray]], which lies on the border between Dublin and Wicklow. This route remained unchanged for almost sixteen years until the line between Bray and Greystones was electrified. Further electrification of the line took place between [[Howth Junction|Howth Junction & Donaghmede]] and [[Malahide]], the northernmost DART station, on the [[Belfast]] mainline. The service to {{rws|Portmarnock}} and {{rws|Malahide}} began in October 2000.<ref>{{cite news |date=2000-10-13 |title=New DART service anger |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/fingal/new-dart-service-anger/27785914.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028144910/https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/fingal/new-dart-service-anger/27785914.html |archive-date=2023-10-28 |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=[[Irish Independent]]}}</ref>

In March 2017, the government announced plans for a proposed new DART station, [[Woodbrook railway station|Woodbrook]], to be built between [[Shankill, Dublin|Shankill]] and [[Bray, County Wicklow|Bray]] on the southern section of the DART line.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Cormac |date=29 March 2017 |title=New Dart station due for south Dublin |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/new-dart-station-3313367-Mar2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428152637/https://www.thejournal.ie/new-dart-station-3313367-Mar2017/ |archive-date=28 April 2019 |access-date=14 November 2019 |newspaper=[[TheJournal.ie]]}}</ref> In 2020, Iarnród Éireann submitted a planning application for the station,<ref name="dlrplanning">{{cite web |title=Application details - D20A/0744 |url=https://planning.agileapplications.ie/dunlaoghaire/application-details/87480 |accessdate=24 April 2021 |publisher=DLR Online Planning Service}}</ref> and planning permission was granted in July 2021.<ref name="dlrplanning" /><ref>{{cite web |date=1 July 2021 |title=D20A 0744 - Notification of Decision to Grant Permission - Letter |url=https://planningapi.agileapplications.ie/api/application/document/DLR/2356548 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022183757/https://planningapi.agileapplications.ie/api/application/document/DLR/2356548 |archivedate=22 October 2021 |publisher=DLR Online Planning Service}}</ref> Work on the station commenced by late 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Sarah |date=2023-11-28 |title=Work starts on new Dart station between Shankill and Bray |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/work-starts-on-new-dart-station-between-shankill-and-bray/a692619185.html |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Irish Independent |language=en}}</ref> The station opened in August 2025, as the 32nd station on the line.<ref name="Woodbrook">{{Cite news |date=2025-08-10 |title=New DART station Woodbrook opens in Dublin |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2025/0810/1527746-dart-station/ |access-date=2025-08-10 |work=[[RTE.ie]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Operation==
The DART service is operated by a mixed fleet of [[electric multiple unit]] trains. As of 2025, the trains run every ten minutes on weekdays with a reduced service on weekends. Trains north of Howth Junction are split between Howth and Malahide while the Malahide service is supplemented by [[Dublin Suburban Rail|Northern Commuter]] trains.

Trains are typically run as four-car, six-car or eight-car sets during the 07.00–09.30 and 17.00–19.00 weekday peak periods. Capacity is reduced during off-peak periods and at weekends, with up to four eight-car sets running. Four-car sets typically consist of a single 8500 Class unit while six-car sets are made up of three 8100 Class units. Eight-car sets can be made up of either two 8500 Class or four 8100 Class units. Both classes had worked in tandem prior to the refurbishment of the ageing 8100 Class in 2007, after which both have been run separately.

Forty two-car 8100 Class units were purchased to run the initial network. Two of these were damaged beyond repair in a depot fire in 2001. Expanding passenger numbers and the need to refurbish the ageing 8100 Class units saw the purchase of four 8500 Class train sets in 2000. These were complemented with three 8510 Class sets in 2001 and ten 8520 Class sets in 2003 and 2004. The now-withdrawn 8200 Class sets which were first run in 2000 operated until 2008 at which point they were retired from revenue service and decommissioned due to longstanding technical issues. A redevelopment of the network's stations was undertaken between 2003 and 2005 to lengthen platforms to accommodate eight-car sets, upgrade the power grid, and improve accessibility for disabled passengers.

===Service===
All trains in the Dublin suburban area, including DART services, are monitored and regulated by a [[Centralized traffic control|Central Traffic Control]] (CTC) facility located in Connolly Station, known as Suburban CTC. This facility has been extensively automated and requires a staff of five; two signallers, one with responsibility for level crossings, an electrical control officer, who supervises the electrical power supply equipment and an overall supervisor. The main CTC is staffed at all times however, there are also backup local control rooms which allow services to continue in the event of serious technical problems.

A single driver is responsible for the management of each train from the cab in the leading carriage. Automatic doors are controlled by the driver and are armed upon arrival at stations. Real-time passenger information displays on station platforms offer passengers updates on the next train arrival times, service updates and outages. Automatic [[Public address|PA]] announcements are made in case of service disruptions and are tailored to each station.

The majority of stations on the network have been renovated to include automatic barriers which require passengers to submit their tickets for verification before they can set foot on the platform. A ticket is required in advance of boarding DART services and can be purchased at stations from staffed kiosks and automated machines. Passengers can also avail of the option of using a Leap Card, Dublin's integrated ticketing scheme. Leap cards are offered as contactless cards onto which passengers can load set ticket options or a cash balance. Leap fares are typically cheaper than paying in cash for a journey. On the DART network, users tag on at their point of entry and tag off at their exit point. Irish Rail, along with Dublin's other public transport operators operated its own smart card system which was phased out to coincide with the Leap Card's introduction. Revenue protection officers check passengers' tickets to ensure validity both onboard trains and on station platforms at random intervals.

== Future ==
[[File:Dart+ Map.svg|alt=Map of the Dublin area with existing DART and LUAS services (2023), the proposed DART+ programme, and the proposed MetroLink. Terminus stations at Heuston, Connolly, Spencer Dock, and Glasnevin are shown.|thumb|261x261px|A map of the Dublin area showing the existing DART and LUAS lines (2023), the proposed DART+ programme, and the proposed MetroLink line.]]
{{DART+ RDT}}

===DART+===
{{redirect|DART+ West|the Pennsylvania bus service|DART West}}
In February 2018, the Irish government and National Transport Authority announced a 10-year plan to electrify the lines to Drogheda, Maynooth, Hazelhatch, M3 Parkway and Docklands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationaltransport.ie/transport-investment/dart-expansion/|title=DART Expansion|publisher=National Transport Authority|access-date=30 April 2019|archive-date=30 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430093221/https://www.nationaltransport.ie/transport-investment/dart-expansion/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The proposed project, which had previously been referred to as "DART Expansion", was renamed "DART+" in 2020. The project was split into five sub-projects:<ref>{{cite web |date=26 August 2020 |title=Radical new DART+ Plan for Dublin Launched |url=https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/radical-new-dart-plan-for-dublin-launched/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918083311/https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/radical-new-dart-plan-for-dublin-launched/ |archive-date=18 September 2020 |access-date=1 September 2020 |publisher=[[National Transport Authority (Ireland)|National Transport Authority]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DART+ Home |url=https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/home |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728160622/https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/home |archive-date=28 July 2022 |access-date=25 July 2022 |website=DartPlus.ie}}</ref> 

* '''DART+ Coastal North:''' [[Drogheda]] to [[Connolly station|Connolly Station]].
* '''DART+ Coastal South:''' [[Greystones]] to [[Connolly station|Connolly Station]].
* '''DART+ West:''' [[Maynooth]] and the [[M3 Parkway railway station|M3 Parkway]] (merging together at Clonsilla Station) to [[Connolly station|Connolly Station]] and Spencer Dock Station.
* '''DART+ South West:''' [[Hazelhatch and Celbridge railway station|Hazelhatch & Celbridge]] to [[Heuston railway station|Heuston Station]] and a proposed station at [[Glasnevin railway station|Glasnevin]].
* '''DART+ Fleet :''' The purchasing of a new fleet to serve these routes.

In 2019, a tender for up to 600 bi-mode battery-electric units was issued to provide fleet capacity for the proposed expansion,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrail.ie/news/new-train-tenders|title=Tender process begins for largest and greenest fleet order in Irish public transport history|publisher=Iarnród Éireann|date=27 May 2019|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609160605/http://www.irishrail.ie/news/new-train-tenders|archive-date=9 June 2019}}</ref> and a tender was also issued for initial design work on the additional electrification requirements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.labour.ie/emmetstagg/news/15617577184901227.html |title=Team Being Put in Place to Deliver DART to Celbridge |date=28 June 2019|publisher=The Labour Party|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213165900/https://www.labour.ie/emmetstagg/news/15617577184901227.html |archive-date=13 February 2020}}</ref>

==== Extension to Maynooth (DART+ West) ====
The initial phase of the DART+ plan, DART+ West,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishrail.ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-projects-and-investments/DART-Programme|title=DART+ Programme|publisher=[[Iarnród Éireann]]|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=27 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827102110/https://www.irishrail.ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-projects-and-investments/DART-Programme|url-status=live |quote=DART+ West [is] The first of the infrastructural projects of the DART+ programme}}</ref> proposes to provide {{Cvt|40|km}} of electrification to Maynooth and M3 Parkway, a new terminus at [[Spencer Dock]] to replace [[Docklands railway station|Docklands station]], a new maintenance depot at Maynooth and additional works in relation to signalling and level crossing closures. The project was at the design stage as of April 2019,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.labour.ie/emmetstagg/news/14812937104897583.html|title=Team Being Put in Place to Deliver DART to Maynooth|date=15 April 2019|publisher=The Labour Party|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213165729/https://www.labour.ie/emmetstagg/news/14812937104897583.html |archive-date=13 February 2020}}</ref> and the planning stage in December 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e9619-government-approves-dart-programme/ |website=gov.ie |title=Press Release - Government Approves DART+ Programme |access-date=7 December 2021 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207171016/https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e9619-government-approves-dart-programme/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/national-development-plan-5564805-Oct2021/ |publisher=Journal Media Ltd |website=[[TheJournal.ie]] |title=No date for MetroLink, but Taoiseach says €165bn National Development Plan is 'not a wish list' |date=4 October 2021 |accessdate=4 October 2021 |quote=Metrolink and DART + West are included in the plan, but there are no completion dates for the projects |archive-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004125744/https://www.thejournal.ie/national-development-plan-5564805-Oct2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Public consultation closed in October 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/railwayorder/dartwest | website = dartplus.ie | title = DART+ West Railway Order Application | accessdate = 31 March 2023 | quote = An Bord Pleanála Statutory Consultation is now closed, as of 28th October 2022 | archive-date = 29 March 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230329232356/https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/railwayorder/dartwest | url-status = live }}</ref>

[[An Bord Pleanála]] was initially due to issue a decision by March 2023 with [[Iarnród Éireann]] hoping to begin construction in early 2024, but later postponed the deadline to December 2023. Permission for DART+ West was granted in July 2024, though permission for the Maynooth depot was refused due to flood risks. As of July 2024, Iarnród Éireann stated that it aimed for services on the lines to "start by 2029". The company stated a revised proposal for a new depot would be submitted separately and would "not cause delays to the completion date".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Olivia |date=2024-07-30 |title=Plan for Dart extension to Maynooth gets green light |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2024/07/30/plan-for-dart-extension-to-maynooth-gets-green-light/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=The Irish Times |language=}}</ref>

==== Extension to Hazelhatch and Celbridge (DART+ South West) ====
The second phase, DART+ South West, was approved by the government in March 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Tim |date=2023-03-08 |title=Celbridge Dart plan gets green light to move to planning application |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2023/03/08/celbridge-dart-plan-gets-green-light-to-move-to-planning-application/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=The Irish Times |language=}}</ref> A railway order application was submitted by Iarnród Éireann the same month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Tim |date=2023-03-22 |title=Application lodged for extension of Dart to Celbridge and Hazelhatch |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2023/03/22/application-lodged-for-extension-of-dart-to-celbridge-and-hazelhatch/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=The Irish Times |language=}}</ref> The proposal included the electrification of 20 kilometres of track from [[Connolly station|Connolly]] to [[Hazelhatch and Celbridge railway station|Hazelhatch and Celbridge]] via the [[Phoenix Park Tunnel]], a new Heuston West station in place of platform 10 at [[Heuston railway station|Heuston]] and an expansion of track capacity along the [[Dublin–Cork railway line|Dublin–Cork line]] between Heuston and [[Park West and Cherry Orchard railway station|Park West and Cherry Orchard]]. If built as planned, the upgraded line would connect at Connolly to the existing DART lines on the east coast to allow for through services.<ref name=":0" /> The application was approved by An Bord Pleanála in November 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/plans-to-extend-dart-network-from-kildare-to-heuston-station-get-green-light/a1090199903.html|work=[[The Herald (Ireland)|The Herald]] |title=Plans to extend Dart network from Kildare to Heuston station get green light|date=2024-11-22|access-date=2025-01-23}}</ref>

==== Extension to Drogheda (DART+ Coastal North) ====
The DART+ project proposes an extension to [[Drogheda]] through the introduction of [[Dublin Area Rapid Transit#Dart+ Fleet|new bi-mode rolling stock]]. The trains would be powered by batteries on the currently unelectrified tracks between [[Drogheda MacBride railway station|Drogheda MacBride station]] and the current terminus at [[Malahide railway station|Malahide]], and use the existing overhead wires on the remainder of the route. Iarnród Éireann stated, in 2024, that the trains would enter service on the route in early 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DART+ DART to Drogheda takes a significant step forward |url=https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/news/2024/dart-to-drogheda-takes-a-significant-step-forward |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=www.dartplus.ie}}</ref> Charging facilities are currently under construction at Drogheda MacBride station.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-11 |title=Fast-charging facilities for new DART+ trains at Drogheda Station as contract awarded |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/drogheda-news/fast-charging-facilities-for-new-dart-trains-at-drogheda-station-as-contract-awarded/a1061086584.html |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Irish Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Kenny |first=Ellen |date=2024-05-21 |title=Government approves new electric DART to Drogheda |url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/government-approves-new-electric-dart-to-drogheda-1727256 |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Newstalk |language=en}}</ref>

Further infrastructure works to increase capacity on the route are planned as part of the DART+ Coastal North project, which is currently in its planning stage. It proposes the extension of overhead wires on the [[Belfast–Dublin line]] by 37 kilometres to Drogheda, a new platform at MacBride station, several modifications to bridges and track configurations as well as upgrades to signalling and power infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Matt |date=2024-05-22 |title=Dart+ DART+ Coastal North Project Gains Approval |url=https://www.dublinpublictransport.ie/blog/dart-coastal-north-project-gains-approval |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Dublin Public Transport |language=}}</ref> DART+ Coastal North was approved by the government in May 2024<ref name=":12" /> and the railway order application was submitted by Iarnród Éireann in July 2024;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Safi |first=Saeedullah |date=2024-07-12 |title=Dart expansion to Drogheda on track as planning application lodged |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2024/07/12/dart-expansion-to-drogheda-on-track-as-planning-application-lodged/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=The Irish Times |language=}}</ref> it was approved in August 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://irishcycle.com/2025/08/21/planning-approval-for-dart-coastal-north-will-help-revolutionise-commuting-in-the-greater-dublin-area/|title=Planning approval for Dart+ Coastal North will help “revolutionise commuting in the Greater Dublin Area”|website=IrishCycle.com|date=2025-08-21|access-date=2025-08-21|first=Cian|last=Ginty}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/plans-extend-dart-malahide-to-drogheda-approved-6796251-Aug2025/|title=Plans to extend Dart line to Drogheda given the green light|website=[[TheJournal.ie]]|date=2025-08-21|access-date=2025-08-27|first=Jane|last=Moore}}</ref>

=== Proposed stations ===
A station was proposed near the site of the former [[Glasnevin railway station|Glasnevin station]] as part of the [[MetroLink (Dublin)|MetroLink]] project. If built as planned, it would see platforms for mainline trains constructed along the overground Western and Southern [[Commuter (Iarnród Éireann)|Commuter]] lines, which could become part of the DART network if the DART+ West and South West projects are completed as proposed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-05 |title=Minister Ryan announces transformative MetroLink project |url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f1a15-minister-ryan-announces-transformative-metrolink-project/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=www.gov.ie |language=en}}</ref>

A new station named Kylemore was proposed in September 2025, for the Dart+ South West line between Heuston and [[Park West and Cherry Orchard railway station|Park West and Cherry Orchard]] stations with a public consultation running until October 2025 and planning to be submitted in early 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Fiachra |title=Plans for Kylemore train station in west Dublin unveiled |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2025/09/08/plans-for-kylemore-train-station-in-west-dublin-unveiled/ |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref>

===Former/suspended proposals===
{{New DART lines}}

Several proposals have been made to expand the DART network beyond the coastal mainline and provide service to the north and west of the city. These expansion plans included a proposed tunnel linking the [[Docklands railway station|Docklands Station]] at [[Spencer Dock]] in the city's quays and [[Dublin Heuston railway station|Heuston Station]]. This proposed [[DART Underground]] project, first posited in 1972,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/traffic-gridlock-dublin-luas-3830735-Feb2018/ | publisher = The Journal | website = thejournal.ie | title = Could an underground Dart solve Dublin's traffic gridlock? It's being considered | quote = ''the Dart Underground, previously known as the Interconnector [was] Originally conceived of in the 1972 Transportation in Dublin plan'' | date = 5 February 2018 | accessdate = 8 August 2018 | archive-date = 13 August 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180813102122/http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/traffic-gridlock-dublin-luas-3830735-Feb2018/ | url-status = live }}</ref> included plans for services from [[Celbridge]]/[[Hazelhatch]] to the Docklands via [[St. Stephen's Green]]. The DART Underground project was put on hold in September 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/government-abandons-dart-underground-project-1.2344211|title=Government abandons Dart Underground project|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]|first=Sarah|last=Bardon|date=8 September 2015|url-access=subscription|access-date=13 May 2016|archive-date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610101828/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/government-abandons-dart-underground-project-1.2344211|url-status=live}}</ref> While included in the Greater Dublin Transport Strategy 2016-2035 (published in 2016),<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Transport_Strategy_for_the_Greater_Dublin_Area_2016-2035.pdf | website = nationaltransport | title = Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 | date = 2016 | access-date = 29 January 2021 | archive-date = 20 January 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210120204701/https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Transport_Strategy_for_the_Greater_Dublin_Area_2016-2035.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref> the DART Underground proposal was not included in the Greater Dublin Area Strategy 2022-2042 (published in 2021).<ref>{{Cite news |first=John |last=Kilraine |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2021/1109/1258759-metrolink/ |title=MetroLink postponed for ten years - NTA draft strategy |date=9 November 2021 |publisher=[[RTÉ News]] |website=rte.ie |accessdate=10 November 2021 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109154706/https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2021/1109/1258759-metrolink/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Plans were unveiled under [[Transport 21]] to expand the DART to consist of two lines. DART Line 1 would go from Maynooth to Greystones, with a branch to M3 Parkway. DART Line 2 would utilise the Interconnector to make a line between Balbriggan and Hazelhatch and retain the Howth branch line. The project was due to be completed in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrail.ie/projects/pdf/page15and16.pdf|title=The future of our rail network|website=Irish Rail|access-date=2025-02-17|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813220137/http://www.irishrail.ie/projects/pdf/page15and16.pdf|archive-date=2007-08-13}}</ref> In April 2009, the government announced plans to extend the planned terminus for DART Line 1 from Balbriggan to Drogheda.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/drogheda-news/dart-on-track/27133300.html|title=DART on track|website=Irish Independent|date=2009-04-15|access-date=2025-02-17}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
===Current fleet===
{| class="wikitable"
|----- bgcolor=#f9f9f9
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Class&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |Image
! colspan="2" |&nbsp;Top speed&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Number&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Year Built&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Notes&nbsp;
|----- bgcolor=#f9f9f9
!&nbsp;km/h&nbsp;
!&nbsp;mph&nbsp;
|-
|[[CIÉ 8100 Class|8100 Class]]
|[[File:SEAPOINT RAILWAY STATION (ON THE OLD DUBLIN AND KINGSTON LINE)-126937 (cropped).jpg|99x99px]]
|100
|60
|38 (formerly 40)
|1983–1984
|8110 and 8136 scrapped, due to the fire at [[Fairview DART depot|Fairview Dart Depot]] (2001)
|-
|[[IE 8500 Class|8500 Class]]
|[[File:DART train 8603 (cropped).jpg|99x99px]]
|110
|70
|4
|2000
|
|-
|[[IE 8510 Class|8510 Class]]
|[[File:8700 EMU - 8614.jpg|100px]]
|110
|70
|3
|2001
|
|-
|[[IE 8520 Class|8520 Class]]
|[[File:8627 DART Howth (6915521093).jpg|100x100px]]
|110
|70
|10
|2003–2004
|
|}

===Former fleet===
{| class="wikitable"
|----- bgcolor=#f9f9f9
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Class&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |Image
! colspan="2" |&nbsp;Top speed&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Number&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Year Built&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;In service&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |&nbsp;Notes&nbsp;
|----- bgcolor=#f9f9f9
!&nbsp;km/h&nbsp;
!&nbsp;mph&nbsp;
|-
|[[IE 8200 Class|8200 Class]]
|[[File:DART Unit 8203.jpg|100px]]
|100
|62
|5
|1999–2000
|2000–2008
|All but 8405 and the front half of 8401 scrapped in 2023 - 2025
|}

===Future fleet changes===
====Dart+ Fleet====
[[Image:DART LED Map Display.jpg|thumb|Some 8510 and 8520 class DART trains feature LED route displays, upon which green indicates the route already travelled, orange the remaining route, and flashing red indicates the next stopping station. These displays do not include [[Clongriffin railway station|Clongriffin station]] and have been out of use since 2010.]]
In 2017, IÉ announced plans to procure a new fleet of trains with the intention of extending DART services from 2023 onwards. An initial purchase of 100 vehicles was proposed to allow replacement of the existing fleet; this proposed purchase would include bi-mode units to allow services to run beyond the existing electrified network.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.railjournal.com/rolling-stock/irish-rail-plans-bi-mode-train-order-for-dart-expansion/ |title=Irish Rail plans bi-mode train order for Dart expansion |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=27 November 2017 |website=International Rail Journal |publisher= |access-date=14 December 2021 |quote= |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214111441/https://www.railjournal.com/rolling-stock/irish-rail-plans-bi-mode-train-order-for-dart-expansion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2021, IÉ announced that [[Alstom]] had been selected as the provider of up to 750 new vehicles, with 325 planned as part of the DART+ plan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.railjournal.com/news/alstom-wins-dart-train-order-as-network-expansion-programme-approved/ |title=Alstom wins Dart+ train order as network expansion programme approved |last=Clinnick |first=Richard |date=13 December 2021 |website=International Rail Journal |publisher= |access-date=14 December 2021 |quote= |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213144057/https://www.railjournal.com/news/alstom-wins-dart-train-order-as-network-expansion-programme-approved/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[IÉ 90000 Class|90000 Class]] are part of Alstom's [[X'Trapolis]] family. An initial order of 95 vehicles was made, formed into 19 5-car units. A total of 13 of these are due to be fitted both with [[pantograph]]s to operate using the {{1,500 V DC}} [[overhead line|OHLE]] on the main DART network, and batteries to allow operation on non-electrified routes. The battery operation is planned to allow the extension of DART services as far as {{stnlnk|Drogheda}}. The remaining units in the initial batch are expected to also be 5-car, fitted with pantograph only.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/traction-and-rolling-stock/battery-power-to-extend-dublin-commuter-services-as-alstom-wins-dart-fleet-renewal/60537.article |title=Battery power to extend Dublin commuter services as Alstom wins DART fleet renewal |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=13 December 2021 |website=Railway Gazette |publisher= |access-date=13 December 2021 |quote=An initial firm order of 95 vehicles has been placed by the national railway for the Dublin suburban network. |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213163707/https://www.railwaygazette.com/traction-and-rolling-stock/battery-power-to-extend-dublin-commuter-services-as-alstom-wins-dart-fleet-renewal/60537.article |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2021/12/alstom-provide-most-sustainable-fleet-trains-irish-transport-history |title=Alstom to provide the most sustainable fleet of trains in Irish transport history |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=13 December 2021 |website=Alstom |publisher= |access-date=14 December 2021 |quote= |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213114607/https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2021/12/alstom-provide-most-sustainable-fleet-trains-irish-transport-history |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/projects/dart-fleet |title=The new DART+ Fleet |website=Dart+ |publisher=Iarnród Éireann |access-date=14 December 2021 |quote= |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214150446/https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/projects/dart-fleet |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2023, Alstom revealed prototypes of the new DART trains. The prototype plans include 4 bike spaces per car, dedicated wheelchair areas, and automatic ramps for passenger accessibility.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-29 |title=Minister previews prototype DART+ train |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0329/1366968-dart-preview/ |language=en |website=[[RTÉ]] |access-date=10 April 2023 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410003957/https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0329/1366968-dart-preview/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nevin |first=Emma |last2=Ryan |first2=Cathal |date=2023-03-29 |title=New DART+ fleet unveiled with comfy seating, wheelchair access and more features |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/brand-new-dart-fleet-unveiled-29581020 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Irish Mirror |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410003956/https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/brand-new-dart-fleet-unveiled-29581020 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2023, [[Teachta Dála|TD]] [[Fergus O'Dowd]] suggested that the first set of trains was due to be delivered by 2025, enabling expansion of DART services to [[Drogheda]] along the DART+ Coastal North route.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Louth TD confirms Drogheda DART on track for 2025 start with brand new trains |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/louth-td-confirms-drogheda-dart-on-track-for-2025-start-with-brand-new-trains-42415543.html |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=[[Irish Independent]] |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410003956/https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/louth-td-confirms-drogheda-dart-on-track-for-2025-start-with-brand-new-trains-42415543.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first train was delivered in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Iarnród Éireann News - First of new DART+ trains unveiled |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/news/first-of-new-dart-trains-unveiled |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=Irish Rail |language=en}}</ref>

==Competitors==
Iarnród Éireann, the operator of DART services, operates a rail monopoly. They also operate faster [[Commuter (Iarnród Éireann)|Commuter]] and [[InterCity (Iarnród Éireann)|InterCity]] services, which also serve [[Greystones railway station|Greystones]], [[Bray railway station|Bray]], [[Dún Laoghaire railway station|Dún Laoghaire]], [[Blackrock railway station|Blackrock]], [[Sydney Parade railway station|Sydney Parade]], [[Lansdowne Road railway station|Lansdowne Road]], [[Grand Canal Dock railway station|Grand Canal Dock]], [[Dublin Pearse railway station|Dublin Pearse]], [[Tara Street railway station|Tara Street]], [[Connolly station|Dublin Connolly]], [[Howth Junction & Donaghmede railway station|Howth Junction & Donaghmede]], [[Clongriffin railway station|Clongriffin]], [[Portmarnock railway station|Portmarnock]] and [[Malahide railway station|Malahide]]. The only other company to operate on lines in the Republic of Ireland is [[Northern Ireland Railways]], which jointly operates the cross-border [[Enterprise (train service)|Enterprise]] service between [[Dublin]] and [[Belfast]].

A number of other public transport modes are available in Dublin. The CIÉ-owned [[Dublin Bus]] and the private [[Go-Ahead Ireland]] (owned by [[Go-Ahead Group]]) operate throughout the city and have many routes that run parallel to DART for stretches. {{citation needed|date=December 2021}} However, they do not have any scheduled routes that traverse the entire length of the DART line. As in the rest of Ireland, integration of bus and rail services is limited, though there are some "feeder bus" routes for which it is possible to buy a through ticket valid for both the rail and bus section of the journey. Travel passes and integrated ticketing (Leap Cards) for DART, Luas and Dublin Bus services were introduced in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kfqlqlaukfgb/rss2/|title=Leap card offers cheaper fares for public transport|newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]]|date=13 December 2011|first=Seán| last=McCárthaigh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118222921/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kfqlqlaukfgb/rss2/|archive-date=18 January 2012}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:DART01.JPG|DART line in [[Bray, County Wicklow|Bray]], [[County Wicklow]].
Image:DART_line_at_Dalkey_looking_south.JPG|DART line in [[Dalkey]], [[County Dublin]].
Dart 8634.jpg|Unit 8634 at Inchicore Works shortly after delivery in 2004.
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Commons category|Dublin Area Rapid Transit}}
* [[Rail transport in Ireland]]
* [[Multiple units of Ireland]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Dublin transport}}
{{Irish train operators}}
{{History of Dublin}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:1984 in rail transport]]
[[Category:Dublin Suburban Rail]]
[[Category:Iarnród Éireann]]
[[Category:Rail transport in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Transport companies of the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Transport in County Dublin]]
[[Category:Transport in County Wicklow]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Ireland]]
[[Category:1500 V DC railway electrification]]