Link: https://www.thejournal.ie/dart-south-west-line-6886810-Nov2025/

A MAJOR EXTENSION to the Dart network for West Dublin and Kildare has been delayed for at least four years.

The planned Dart+ South West expansion from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge in Co Kildare will start construction four years later than previously planned – after other projects were picked ahead of it in the Government’s latest five-year transport plan.

The move has been described as “contrary to best international practice” by one transport expert.

Brian Caulfield, professor in transportation at the school of engineering at Trinity College Dublin, said the route would deliver regular and reliable public transport for the growing number of suburban towns and neighbourhoods in the area.

Dart+ South West secured planning permission last November. At the time Irish Rail said in a press release that subject to funding it was “anticipated that construction will commence in 2026″.

But works on the €1 billion project have now been pushed out to at least 2030 according to this week’s announcement. The timeline for construction to begin was given as “2030+”.

The changes were among the details announced this week by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien as he set out the National Development Plan for the sector and what projects the government is prioritising over the next five years.

Included are a number of road and rail projects as well as the €9.5 billion MetroLink – the proposed high-capacity, high-frequency rail line running from Swords to the south of Dublin city.