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{{Short description|Irish road, bus and rail infrastructure plan}}
]/] motorway scheme in ].]]
{{more citations needed|date=April 2021}}
'''Transport 21''' was an ] ] plan, announced in November 2005.<ref></ref> Its aims were to greatly expand Ireland's transport network. A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan at the time.
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use Irish English|date=September 2017}}
]/] scheme in ].]]
'''Transport 21''' was an ] ] plan, announced in November 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/1101/transport.html | publisher = RTÉ News | title = National transport plan to cost €34bn | date = 1 November 2005 }}</ref> Its aims were to greatly expand Ireland's transport network. A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan at the time.


The plan included continuing investment in Ireland's road network, along with investment in public transport in the form of buses and rail. The plan included continuing investment in Ireland's road network, along with investment in public transport in the form of buses and rail.


Due to the economic decline, the Transport 21 project was cancelled in May 2011. After the collapse of the Irish banking system the Transport 21 project was cancelled in May 2011.


A significant portion of this investment would focus on the creation of an integrated rail network in Dublin. Projects included a ] under ] city centre connecting ] with ] and ] at ]. This would facilitate the expansion of the ] (DART) system from one line to two. Also included were several new ] lines, a ] system, and tighter integration between all rail systems, particularly at the planned ] interchange. This would create a single integrated rail network in Dublin that served the north, south, east and west of the city. A significant portion of this investment would focus on the creation of an integrated rail network in Dublin. Projects included a ] under ] city centre connecting ] with ] and ] at ]. This would facilitate the expansion of the ] (DART) system from one line to two. Also included were several new ] lines, a ] system, and tighter integration between all rail systems, particularly at the planned ] interchange. This would create a single integrated rail network in Dublin that served the north, south, east and west of the city.


Other rail investment included the planned ], redevelopment of a ] and upgrading and extending ].<ref>http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1126/eurozone-business.html</ref> Other rail investment included the planned ], redevelopment of a ] and upgrading and extending ].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1126/eurozone-business.html | website = rte.ie | title = Ireland won't take part in EU stimulus plan | date = 26 November 2008 }}</ref>


Also included in the plan was the significant expansion of the ] passenger-carrying capacity, completion of ] linking all the major urban centres on the island, and better integration of all transport systems.<ref>A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan in 2005.</ref> Also included in the plan was the significant expansion of the ] passenger-carrying capacity, completion of ] linking all the major urban centres on the island, and better integration of all transport systems.<ref>A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan in 2005.</ref>


==Luas - Dublin== ==Luas - Dublin==
===St. Stephen's Green to Luas Red Line (Line BX)=== ===St. Stephen's Green to Luas Red Line (Line BX)===
The RPA (Railway Procurement Agency) announced the new preferred route extension from the ] stop at St. Stephen's Green to ] (Line BX) in 2011. The route continues on from St. Stephen's Green towards Dawson Street, Grafton Street Lower, College Green, Westmoreland Street, O'Connell Street and Parnell Square. Construction of the line began in June 2013 and was opened on 9 December 2017.


The RPA (Rail Procurement Agency) has announced the new preferred route extension from the ] stop, St. Stephen's Green to ] (Line BX). The route will continue on from St. Stephen's Green towards Dawson Street, Grafton Street Lower, College Green, Westmoreland Street, O'Connell Street and Parnell Square. Construction of the line began in June 2013.

The projected completion date is late 2017.


===Connolly to Point Depot (Line C1)=== ===Connolly to Point Depot (Line C1)===
The route for the Red Line extension (Line C1) from ] to the Point Depot was fixed in the early 2000s and the Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in December 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rpa.ie/luas/railway_orders/line_c1 |title=Luas Line C1 Railway Order Application |access-date=7 March 2007 |archive-date=16 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060816000000/http://www.rpa.ie/luas/railway_orders/line_c1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Construction works got underway in June 2007, with the centrepiece being a new bridge at the Harbourmaster Place end of Mayor Street. It was officially opened in 2009.

*

The route for the Red Line extension (Line C1) from ] to the Point Depot was fixed in the early 2000s and the was signed by the Minister of Transport in December 2006. Construction works got underway in June 2007, with the centrepiece being a new bridge at the ] end of ].<ref></ref> The line opened on 8 December, 2009.<ref></ref>


===Sandyford to Brides Glen (Line B1)=== ===Sandyford to Brides Glen (Line B1)===
The route for the Green Line extension (Line B1) from Sandyford to Brides Glen was chosen by the RPA and the Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in August 2006. The line opened on 16 October 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/1016/luas.html | website = rte.ie | title = Luas Green Line extension opens | date = 16 October 2010 }}</ref>

*

The route for the Green Line extension (Line B1) from Sandyford to Brides Glen has been chosen by the RPA and the was signed by the Minister of Transport in August 2006.<ref></ref> The line opened on 16 October 2010.<ref></ref>


===Brides Glen to Bray (Line B2)=== ===Brides Glen to Bray (Line B2)===
The route for this line had been selected (Route 2). This project is currently{{when|date=April 2021}} being reconsidered by the ].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

*

The route for this line had been selected (Route 2). This project is currently being reconsidered by the ]. A decision will be made in late 2015.<ref></ref>


===Belgard to Saggart (Line A1)=== ===Belgard to Saggart (Line A1)===
A Red Line extension was planned from Belgard to Saggart to be built as a Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPP). The line received planning permission in June 2008 and construction got underway in February 2009. The track from Belgard began preparing for track laying on 11 January 2010 by closing the Belgard Stop. It became operational in 2011.

*

A Red Line extension was planned from Belgard to Saggart to be built as a Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPP). The line received planning permission in June 2008 and construction got underway in February 2009. The track from Belgard began preparing for track laying on 11 January 2010 by closing the Belgard Stop. It became operational in 2011.<ref></ref>


===Line BX to Liffey Junction (Line D)=== ===Line BX to Liffey Junction (Line D)===
Construction on the Luas Line D began in June 2013. This route uses the former Broadstone rail alignment. It opened on 9 December 2017.

*

Work on the Luas Line D is currently well underway. It began in June 2013. This route will use the former Broadstone rail alignment. The expected completion date is late 2017.

===City Centre to Lucan (Line F)===

*

Luas Line F is currently a deferred project. It is believed that it would join the proposed Green line (Line BX) extension at College Green and will travel down Dame Street, passing by Christchurch and Intersecting the Metro West at Liffey Valley. However the project is currently deferred.


==Light Rail Metro - Dublin== ==Light Rail Metro - Dublin==
{{see|MetroLink (Dublin)}}

A ] for ] had been discussed for many years. The construction of a ] system similar to the ] in ] was originally planned. However the project is currently deferred.<ref></ref> A ] project has been in discussion for many years.{{vague|date=April 2021}} The construction of a ] system, similar to the ] in ], was originally planned.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}


===Stephen's Green to Belinstown (Metro North)=== ===Stephen's Green to Belinstown (Metro North)===
]
The RPA had announced the Metro North from ] to Belinstown north of ] via Dublin Airport and sought public comments on the route. A total of 17 stops are planned, and the length of each train would be 90m.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}


In October 2006, RPA published an initial route for Metro North, with a revised route appearing in April 2008. This route is to be a Public Private Partnership initiative (PPP) and in September 2008 the RPA applied to An Bord Pleanala for a Railway Order. In 2011, due to the economic climate, Metro North was deferred for a number of years.<ref name="rte-nov2011">{{cite web|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1110/budget-business.html | website = rte.ie | title = Metro, DART projects put off in plan | date = 10 November 2011 }}</ref>


The RPA had announced the Metro North from ] to Belinstown north of ] via Dublin Airport and sought public comments on the route. A total of 17 stops were planned, and the length of each train would be 90m. There would be a frequency of at least one Metro every two minutes on this service. At peak times, the frequency would be one Metro every 90 seconds.

In October 2006, RPA published an initial route for Metro North, with a revised route appearing in April 2008. This route was to be a Public Private Partnership initiative (PPP) and in September 2008 the RPA applied to An Bord Pleanala for a Railway Order. Because of the current economic climate (2011), Metro North has been deferred until further notice.<ref name="rte-nov2011">http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1110/budget-business.html</ref> Metro North is expected to cost over 1 billion euro less than initially indicated due to a 20% drop in Irish construction costs.


===Tallaght to Dardistown (Metro West)=== ===Tallaght to Dardistown (Metro West)===



The RPA had announced the Metro West from Tallaght to Dardistown, and had sought public comments on two route options. On 5 July 2007 the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor was announced. The route ran from Tallaght to Metro North at Dardistown, south of Dublin Airport via Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown and was approximately 25.5&nbsp;km long. This route was also to be a Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPP). The RPA had announced the Metro West from Tallaght to Dardistown, and had sought public comments on two route options. On 5 July 2007 the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor was announced. The route ran from Tallaght to Metro North at Dardistown, south of Dublin Airport via Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown and was approximately 25.5&nbsp;km long. This route was also to be a Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPP).


Line 79: Line 51:


==DART - Greater Dublin Area== ==DART - Greater Dublin Area==
]
Under the Transport 21 Plan, the ] network would have gone through a fundamental change from the coastally-focused north–south line which currently{{when|date=April 2021}} exists, to a two-line system which crossed the city. One of these lines (DART Line 1) would run from ]/{{rws|M3 Parkway}} to {{rws|Greystones}} via ] station, while the other (DART Line 2) would run from ] to {{rws|Hazelhatch and Celbridge}}, via the ]. Both lines would intersect at ]. {{citation needed|date=April 2021}}


===Kildare Route Project===
If the DART is extended from Heuston Station to Hazelhatch, it would quickly find itself in trouble,{{original research inline|date=April 2021}} as the busy ], ], ] and ] ] service as well as the ] and other ] services use the same track.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} This would cause major interference to the DART frequency and service.{{speculation inline|date=September 2023}} So ] decided to quadruple the track (originally 2 track) from Inchicore to just past Hazelhatch station.{{fact|date=November 2021}} The Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in December 2006. The project was partially completed in early 2010, with the section between Inchicore and Cherry Orchard deferred to Kildare Route Project Phase 2.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.adamstown.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=214&Itemid=2 |title=Adamstown Railway Station now open |access-date=30 September 2008 |archive-date=19 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119041351/http://www.adamstown.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=214&Itemid=2 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0805/rail.html | website = rte.ie | title = New train station opens at Park West | date= 5 August 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrail.ie/about-us/kildare-route-project-phase-2|title=Kildare Route Project Phase 2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412222238/http://www.irishrail.ie/about-us/kildare-route-project-phase-2|archive-date=2016-04-12|access-date=2016-10-16|url-status=live}}</ref>


===DART Underground===
Under the Transport 21 Plan, the ] network would have gone through a fundamental change from the coastally-focused north/south line which currently exists, to a two-line system which crossed the city. One of these lines (DART Line 1) would run from Maynooth/Pace-M3 to Greystones via ] station, while the other (DART Line 2) would run from Balbriggan to Hazelhatch, south of Celbridge, via the ]. Both lines would intersect at Pearse Street Station.
{{see|DART Underground}}

First suggested in the 1970s, the ] proposal called for a tunnel connecting the Northern DART line to the Kildare line. The project was shelved in 2011,<ref name="ITjan2019">{{cite web|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/plans-for-liffey-bridge-derailed-by-dart-underground-scheme-1.3746924 | publisher = Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com | title = Plans for Liffey bridge derailed by Dart Underground scheme | date = 4 January 2019 | accessdate = 17 March 2019 | quote = ''The 7.6km was shelved by the Fine Gael-Labour government in 2011 was not included in the 10-year National Development Plan published the timeframe for the review is unknown'' }}</ref> and not included in the Greater Dublin Area Strategy 2022 to 2042 published in late 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=] | website = rte.ie | accessdate = 10 November 2021 }}</ref>
===Maynooth to Greystones (Line 1)===


The existing DART line from Greystones to ] will remain unchanged. However the current service from Connolly to Clontarf Rd and beyond would no longer continue. Instead, trains after Connolly station would divert to Drumcondra Station on the Sligo/Maynooth line, which would be electrified and continue onward to Maynooth.

===Balbriggan to Hazelhatch (Line 2)===

]

The existing DART line from Malahide/] to ] Rd will remain unchanged. However the current service from Clontarf Rd to ] and beyond would no longer continue. Instead, ] after Clontarf Rd station would divert through ] to a new ] extension called the ], heading into a new ] in ]. The extension continued to ] Station, where interchange would be possible with Line 1, and onward to ] Station. The extension would go overground at ] where it would join the existing Kildare line, which will be electrified as far as ] Station. At the other end, the existing Northern Commuter line between ] and ] would be electrified.

====Kildare Route Project====

*
When the DART is extended from Heuston Station to Hazlehatch, it would quickly find itself in trouble, as the busy ], ], ] and ] ] service as well as the ] and other ] services use the same track. This would cause major interference to the DART frequency and service. So ] decided to quadruple the track (currently 2 track) from where the DART Underground goes overground at Inchicore to just past Hazlehatch station. This physically separates the DART service from the busy InterCity and Commuter service and guarantee a regular frequency, not only for the DART but the InterCity and Commuter services. The Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in December 2006. The project was completed in early 2010.<ref></ref><ref></ref>

====DART Underground====
''See full article: ]''

The DART Underground will be a tunnel, estimated at €1.3bn, which connects the Northern DART line to the Kildare line. It will have underground stations at Spencer Dock, Pearse Station, Stephens Green, High St (Digital Hub) and Heuston Station and it will form a part of the new DART Line 2 (see above).

The DART Underground is to be one of the most important public transport projects as it will fundamentally change not only the DART but other public transport systems, as well as road traffic in the Greater Dublin Area. In April 2014, ] stated that the project is back on track and a decision on it will finally be made in 2016.<ref name="rte-nov2011"/>


==Commuter - Greater Dublin Area== ==Commuter - Greater Dublin Area==

===Docklands Station=== ===Docklands Station===
Under Transport 21, a new ] was built in the ] area of ] city centre. Its purpose was to increase the capacity and frequency of rail services that operate along the ] rail line, which was restricted by the heavily congested ] Station. Under Transport 21, a new ] was built in the ] area of ] city centre. Its purpose was to increase the capacity and frequency of rail services that operate along the ] rail line, which was restricted by the heavily congested ] Station.


] ceremonies for a temporary location for the new station were held on 9 March 2006 and the station opened in March 2007. ] ceremonies at the temporary location for the new station were held on 9 March 2006 and the station opened in March 2007.


By by-passing Connolly and using the new Docklands station, it is now possible to add extra services on the Maynooth and Longford Commuter services and a brand new service on the re-opening of the Clonsilla to Dunboyne line. (see Commuter - Greater Dublin Area below) By by-passing Connolly and using Docklands Station, it was possible to add extra services on the Maynooth and Longford Commuter services and it provided an alternative terminus for Western Commuter services to Clonsilla and M3 Parkway.


===Clonsilla to Navan=== ===Clonsilla to M3 Parkway===
The former Clonsilla to ] railway line was closed in 1963, but the trackbed was largely preserved. The former Clonsilla to ] railway line was closed in 1963, but the trackbed was largely preserved.
Under the Transport 21 plan, a section of the disused Navan rail line would run from Clonsilla station in west Dublin to Navan in county ] (42&nbsp;km). It uses the newly open Docklands Station in Dublin city centre. The first phase of the line (] to Dunboyne) included 3 new stations. It opened in September 2010. The second phase would have completed the line as far as Navan and it has been deferred until further notice.<ref>http://www.transport21.ie/Projects/Heavy_Rail/Navan_Rail_Line.html</ref> Under the Transport 21 plan, a section of the disused Navan rail line would run from Clonsilla station in west Dublin to Navan in ] (42&nbsp;km). It uses Docklands Station in Dublin city centre exclusively. The first phase of the line (] to Dunboyne) included 3 new stations. It opened in September 2010. The second phase would have completed the line as far as Navan and it has been deferred until further notice.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}


==Commuter - Other== ==Commuter - other==


===Mallow to Midleton - Cork=== ===Mallow to Midleton - Cork===
This project, to reopen part of the ]&ndash;] railway line as far as ], started construction in November 2007. New stations were built on the Northern Line to ] from Cork's Kent station and on the Eastern Line to Cobh and Midleton, as well as a new 10&nbsp;km section of rail line from Glounthaune to Midleton. A total of 7 new or reopened stations were constructed, in addition to the existing 7. The ] network received increased funding under Transport 21.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
This project, to reopen part of the ]&ndash;] railway line as far as ], started construction in November 2007. New stations were built on the Northern Line to ] from Cork's Kent station and on the Eastern Line to Cobh and Midleton, as well as a new 10&nbsp;km section of rail line from Glounthaune to Midleton. A total of 7 new or reopened stations were constructed, in addition to the existing 7. The ] got increased funding under Transport 21 and in the coming years most parts of ] will be connected by rail.


The spur to Midleton piece of this project opened in July 2009. The 7 new or renovated stations were opened during 2010. The spur to Midleton piece of this project opened in July 2009. Seven new or renovated stations were opened during 2010.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}


===Western Railway Corridor - Phase 1=== ===Western Railway Corridor - additional phases===
Under Transport 21, the ] (WRC) from Ennis to Claremorris would have been re-opened in 3 sections.{{fact|date=September 2023}}
Under Transport 21, the ] (WRC) from Ennis to Claremorris would have been re-opened in 3 sections.


The first section, Ennis to Athenry, was re-opened on 30 March 2010. In September 2006, the Minister for Transport announced that the government had approved funding for ] to proceed with the development of the section. Work began in 2008, and an Intercity service is now provided between the cities of ] and ].{{fact|date=September 2023}}
====Ennis to Athenry====
This section re-opened on 30 March 2010. An Intercity service is now provided between the cities of ] and ]. On the 26 September 2006, the Minister for Transport announced that the Government had approved funding for ] to proceed with the development of the section. Work had begun in 2008.


The second section, Athenry to Tuam, was deferred "until further notice".{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} The government had originally approved funding for the development of the section, subject to completion by Iarnród Éireann of a full appraisal.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
====Athenry to Tuam====
This section is currently deferred until further notice. The Government had approved funding for the development of the Athenry to ] section, subject to completion by Iarnród Éireann of a fuller appraisal of this section.


The third section, Tuam to Claremorris, was also deferred "until further notice".{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} If opened as proposed, the ]-], Galway-Dublin and Limerick-Dublin lines would have been connected together to provide inter-regional services within the Border Midland West Region.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
====Tuam to Claremorris====
This section is currently deferred until further notice. With this opening, the ] - ], Galway - Dublin and Limerick - Dublin lines would have been connected together and would help to facilitate the provision of inter-regional services within the BMW Region.


==Regional Airports== ==Regional airports==
A total of €86million were allocated to regional airports around Ireland with the main focus on improving safety and security. The airports included in the scheme were ]; ]; ]; ]; ] and ].<br> Approximately €86 million was allocated to regional airports around Ireland. The airports included in the scheme were ]; ]; ]; ]; ] and ].
€38.7million were spent on projects aimed at improving safety and security, including better fire fighting equipment, new Instrument Landing Systems and navigational aids and the provision of Runway End Safety Areas at a number of airports.<br>
The remaining €48million had been approved for projects aimed towards catering for prospective businesses at these airports and will support investment in a range of facilities. However this project was deferred until further notice.<ref>http://www.transport21.ie/Projects/Regional_Airports/Regional_Airports.html</ref>


€38.7 million was spent on projects aimed at improving safety and security, including better fire fighting equipment, new Instrument Landing Systems and navigational aids and the provision of Runway End Safety Areas at a number of airports.
==See also==


The remaining €48 million had been approved for projects aimed towards catering for prospective businesses at these airports.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} However, this project was deferred until further notice.{{fact|date=September 2023}}
*]

*]
==See also==
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==External links== ==External links==
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Latest revision as of 15:46, 21 September 2024

Irish road, bus and rail infrastructure plan
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Transport 21" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (April 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Transport 21 signage for the M7/M8 motorway scheme in County Laois.

Transport 21 was an Irish infrastructure plan, announced in November 2005. Its aims were to greatly expand Ireland's transport network. A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan at the time.

The plan included continuing investment in Ireland's road network, along with investment in public transport in the form of buses and rail.

After the collapse of the Irish banking system the Transport 21 project was cancelled in May 2011.

A significant portion of this investment would focus on the creation of an integrated rail network in Dublin. Projects included a tunnel under Dublin city centre connecting Heuston Station with Pearse Station and Docklands station at Spencer Dock. This would facilitate the expansion of the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system from one line to two. Also included were several new Luas lines, a metro system, and tighter integration between all rail systems, particularly at the planned St. Stephen's Green interchange. This would create a single integrated rail network in Dublin that served the north, south, east and west of the city.

Other rail investment included the planned Western Railway Corridor, redevelopment of a rail link from Navan to Dublin and upgrading and extending suburban rail in Cork.

Also included in the plan was the significant expansion of the Dublin Bus passenger-carrying capacity, completion of the motorway system linking all the major urban centres on the island, and better integration of all transport systems.

Luas - Dublin

St. Stephen's Green to Luas Red Line (Line BX)

The RPA (Railway Procurement Agency) announced the new preferred route extension from the Green Line stop at St. Stephen's Green to Luas Red Line (Line BX) in 2011. The route continues on from St. Stephen's Green towards Dawson Street, Grafton Street Lower, College Green, Westmoreland Street, O'Connell Street and Parnell Square. Construction of the line began in June 2013 and was opened on 9 December 2017.

Connolly to Point Depot (Line C1)

The route for the Red Line extension (Line C1) from Connolly to the Point Depot was fixed in the early 2000s and the Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in December 2006. Construction works got underway in June 2007, with the centrepiece being a new bridge at the Harbourmaster Place end of Mayor Street. It was officially opened in 2009.

Sandyford to Brides Glen (Line B1)

The route for the Green Line extension (Line B1) from Sandyford to Brides Glen was chosen by the RPA and the Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in August 2006. The line opened on 16 October 2010.

Brides Glen to Bray (Line B2)

The route for this line had been selected (Route 2). This project is currently being reconsidered by the National Transport Authority.

Belgard to Saggart (Line A1)

A Red Line extension was planned from Belgard to Saggart to be built as a Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPP). The line received planning permission in June 2008 and construction got underway in February 2009. The track from Belgard began preparing for track laying on 11 January 2010 by closing the Belgard Stop. It became operational in 2011.

Line BX to Liffey Junction (Line D)

Construction on the Luas Line D began in June 2013. This route uses the former Broadstone rail alignment. It opened on 9 December 2017.

Light Rail Metro - Dublin

Further information: MetroLink (Dublin)

A Dublin Metro project has been in discussion for many years. The construction of a light metro system, similar to the Porto Metro in Portugal, was originally planned.

Stephen's Green to Belinstown (Metro North)

The RPA had announced the Metro North from St Stephen's Green to Belinstown north of Swords via Dublin Airport and sought public comments on the route. A total of 17 stops are planned, and the length of each train would be 90m.

In October 2006, RPA published an initial route for Metro North, with a revised route appearing in April 2008. This route is to be a Public Private Partnership initiative (PPP) and in September 2008 the RPA applied to An Bord Pleanala for a Railway Order. In 2011, due to the economic climate, Metro North was deferred for a number of years.

Tallaght to Dardistown (Metro West)

The RPA had announced the Metro West from Tallaght to Dardistown, and had sought public comments on two route options. On 5 July 2007 the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor was announced. The route ran from Tallaght to Metro North at Dardistown, south of Dublin Airport via Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown and was approximately 25.5 km long. This route was also to be a Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPP).

There is no timescale available for the Metro West project as it has been deferred until further notice.

DART - Greater Dublin Area

Proposed DART service on the Kildare Line

Under the Transport 21 Plan, the DART network would have gone through a fundamental change from the coastally-focused north–south line which currently exists, to a two-line system which crossed the city. One of these lines (DART Line 1) would run from Maynooth/M3 Parkway to Greystones via Connolly station, while the other (DART Line 2) would run from Balbriggan to Hazelhatch and Celbridge, via the DART Underground. Both lines would intersect at Pearse.

Kildare Route Project

If the DART is extended from Heuston Station to Hazelhatch, it would quickly find itself in trouble, as the busy Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway InterCity service as well as the Kildare and other Commuter services use the same track. This would cause major interference to the DART frequency and service. So Iarnród Éireann decided to quadruple the track (originally 2 track) from Inchicore to just past Hazelhatch station. The Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in December 2006. The project was partially completed in early 2010, with the section between Inchicore and Cherry Orchard deferred to Kildare Route Project Phase 2.

DART Underground

Further information: DART Underground

First suggested in the 1970s, the DART Underground proposal called for a tunnel connecting the Northern DART line to the Kildare line. The project was shelved in 2011, and not included in the Greater Dublin Area Strategy 2022 to 2042 published in late 2021.

Commuter - Greater Dublin Area

Docklands Station

Under Transport 21, a new Docklands railway station was built in the Spencer Dock area of Dublin city centre. Its purpose was to increase the capacity and frequency of rail services that operate along the Sligo rail line, which was restricted by the heavily congested Dublin Connolly Station.

Groundbreaking ceremonies at the temporary location for the new station were held on 9 March 2006 and the station opened in March 2007.

By by-passing Connolly and using Docklands Station, it was possible to add extra services on the Maynooth and Longford Commuter services and it provided an alternative terminus for Western Commuter services to Clonsilla and M3 Parkway.

Clonsilla to M3 Parkway

The former Clonsilla to Navan railway line was closed in 1963, but the trackbed was largely preserved. Under the Transport 21 plan, a section of the disused Navan rail line would run from Clonsilla station in west Dublin to Navan in county Meath (42 km). It uses Docklands Station in Dublin city centre exclusively. The first phase of the line (Clonsilla to Dunboyne) included 3 new stations. It opened in September 2010. The second phase would have completed the line as far as Navan and it has been deferred until further notice.

Commuter - other

Mallow to Midleton - Cork

This project, to reopen part of the Cork–Youghal railway line as far as Midleton, started construction in November 2007. New stations were built on the Northern Line to Mallow from Cork's Kent station and on the Eastern Line to Cobh and Midleton, as well as a new 10 km section of rail line from Glounthaune to Midleton. A total of 7 new or reopened stations were constructed, in addition to the existing 7. The Cork Suburban Rail network received increased funding under Transport 21.

The spur to Midleton piece of this project opened in July 2009. Seven new or renovated stations were opened during 2010.

Western Railway Corridor - additional phases

Under Transport 21, the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) from Ennis to Claremorris would have been re-opened in 3 sections.

The first section, Ennis to Athenry, was re-opened on 30 March 2010. In September 2006, the Minister for Transport announced that the government had approved funding for Iarnród Éireann to proceed with the development of the section. Work began in 2008, and an Intercity service is now provided between the cities of Limerick and Galway.

The second section, Athenry to Tuam, was deferred "until further notice". The government had originally approved funding for the development of the section, subject to completion by Iarnród Éireann of a full appraisal.

The third section, Tuam to Claremorris, was also deferred "until further notice". If opened as proposed, the Westport-Dublin, Galway-Dublin and Limerick-Dublin lines would have been connected together to provide inter-regional services within the Border Midland West Region.

Regional airports

Approximately €86 million was allocated to regional airports around Ireland. The airports included in the scheme were Ireland West Airport; Kerry Airport; Sligo Airport; Donegal Airport; Waterford Airport and Galway Airport.

€38.7 million was spent on projects aimed at improving safety and security, including better fire fighting equipment, new Instrument Landing Systems and navigational aids and the provision of Runway End Safety Areas at a number of airports.

The remaining €48 million had been approved for projects aimed towards catering for prospective businesses at these airports. However, this project was deferred until further notice.

See also

References

  1. "National transport plan to cost €34bn". RTÉ News. 1 November 2005.
  2. "Ireland won't take part in EU stimulus plan". rte.ie. 26 November 2008.
  3. A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan in 2005.
  4. "Luas Line C1 Railway Order Application". Archived from the original on 16 August 2006. Retrieved 7 March 2007.
  5. "Luas Green Line extension opens". rte.ie. 16 October 2010.
  6. "Metro, DART projects put off in plan". rte.ie. 10 November 2011.
  7. "Adamstown Railway Station now open". Archived from the original on 19 November 2007. Retrieved 30 September 2008.
  8. "New train station opens at Park West". rte.ie. 5 August 2008.
  9. "Kildare Route Project Phase 2". Archived from the original on 12 April 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  10. "Plans for Liffey bridge derailed by Dart Underground scheme". irishtimes.com. Irish Times. 4 January 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2019. The 7.6km was shelved by the Fine Gael-Labour government in 2011 was not included in the 10-year National Development Plan published the timeframe for the review is unknown
  11. Kilraine, John (9 November 2021). "MetroLink postponed for ten years - NTA draft strategy". rte.ie. RTÉ News. Retrieved 10 November 2021.

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