I saw this just the other day as well, however I assumed that Metrolink just assumed that this would be happening when coming up with their plans and then because it wasn’t included in the DART+ plans, it wasn’t happening, however is this something Metrolink will themselves undertake?? Would be a good link to have and definitely increase operating capacity and flexibility, especially under line possessions…
According to the above article, it will be at least 2029 or 2030 until Dart services are extended to Wicklow town. A long timeframe for what appears to be a relatively simple project.
A diesel shuttle between Wicklow and Greystones was dismissed on the basis that it would require a third platform at Greystones. Odd that they are claiming such a platform would be needed considering platform 2 is rarely used at present and Coastal South will only add one additional train per direction per hour.
That is a great improvement to what we can see done with Spencer Dock. I am not sure why they aren't including these in D+ west, as even without ML it would be good to be able to send extra services to SD. There is planned to be a construction compound where the crossover would be, though I am not sure why that couldn't be moved?
This is fantastic news, hope it's correct. It made no sense not to include this crossover.
Even to reduce disruption during construction by allowing works to continue on one line, while the other is closed. Obviously there will be periods when no trains can use either line, but that can be reduced substantially now.
The DART+ West RO shows a structure to be demolished at the location of the crossover. The MetroLink RO proposes a new section of track through that area. It's possible the cleared area will be a site compound for DART+ West, with the track added afterward: the link is so short that it might not even need an extra OHLE gantry.
I think some of the BEMUs are supposed to be sent to Wicklow town? They should all be in service by mid-2027. At least thats what I understood from the transport debate. I think 2029 or 2030 is more D+ coastal south plans than services being sent?
apparently those dates are straight from Ann Graham at a WCC meeting. It's presumably not as simple as "sending" them to Wicklow Town, charging stations will be needed, signalling upgrades probably required on the Greystones-Wicklow section. There may be some dependencies tying it to Dart+ South as well - if there's a Dart every 20 mins to Greystones, perhaps they're planning to send every 3rd one on to Wicklow.
Will both lines be closed at the same time for Metrolink?
Last I remember, one of the lines will be open at all times.
Wicklow requires
1. Platform extensions (at Kilcoole also)
2. Accessible footbridge
3. Charging equipment
4. ETCS installed
5. GSMR commissioned
Longest lead time item after planning is an ESB 10kV or 38kV connection
While there have been plans for years to electrify elsewhere and grid capacity is is place, Wicklow was not on the list
https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/bray-people/20241016/282076282326909?srsltid=AfmBOorvn-vAyK7KHBmcg5zP7_sf2j74kri_cnxtZny3k2hDhohGnbu7
Just came across the above article which has more details. NTA's Hugh Creegan clarifies it will indeed be 4 or 5 years before the battery electric fleet will come to Wicklow by the time they get planning permission for the charging station. Eamon Ryan had said in the Dáil in February that it could be in place by 2026.
Thanks for that. Do you know why they say a third platform would be needed at Greystones for a diesel shuttle? Couldn't they just use the relatively unused platform #2?
I believe the accessibility of the station is being improved as part of the Wicklow Port Access project.
The question is where does the shuttle go when there's an Intercity using P2 in Greystones - there is a siding to the south of the station which is rarely in use, or they could schedule to have the shuttle in Wicklow when there's a southbound IC train due but I assume there are times when there's also 2 trains at Wicklow simultaneously. It doesn't seem like an insurmountable problem though.
Or just have intercity passengers interchange with the Dart at Wicklow which seems to be their preferred plan. Would allow more services between Wexford and Wicklow. As you say it's not an insurmountable problem.
Is ETCS to Hazelhatch that far off though? I believe it's earmarked for testing the new trains, so they'll have to have it done for early next year.
Testing of the new fleet will take place on under engineering possession between Inchicore and Hazelhatch overnight, charged during the day in Inchicore, so they will only get two runs a night really. This does NOT require ETCS, the ETCS subsystem will run in L0 mode as it hasn't hit a Eurobalises to enable L1, all the system will do is show a 145kph max speed limit hook
Under engineering possession there is no requirement for any safety systems as everything is supervised and there is agreement as to the safe method of work. The testing is there to validate the safety systems work. All systems will be tested statically before leaving Inchicore.
Once initial testing is undertaken the train will move to testing on the existing DART line which is ETCS fitted for ETCS and OHLE testing again under engineering possession
Then it will move to testing on the live network, they can get a return Malahide-Drogheda run without charging as the charging gear there won't be ready for some time.
ETCS is currently installed between Greystones and the border. Further expansions of coverage is spilt between TPS rollout, various DART projects and Cork Area Commuter projects. The fleet I believe can be tested without ETCS but will require running on the northern line for testing of the signalling.
Under what circumstances would it not be feasible for the track to be lowered?
Apologies if I’m being overly inquisitive, I’m not a railway engineer and just have a general interest.
Where it would undermine the foundations (if there even are any) of the bridge; where it would lower the track below existing platform height, where it would induce a flood risk (the is a canal in close proximity to all of DART+ West) and potentially other reasons.
Loads of circumstances, basically.
Maynooth line is next to a canal, you would rather the rail height to be above canal level at all times due risk of flooding, so lowering is not ideal in this case
Does anyone have a link to a list of which bridges are being demolished? I’ve had a look myself but can’t find any.
This would be a restoration of part of the original Glasnevin Junction layout. The original link frpm the Phoenix Park tunnel line to the North Wall and the docks (up to the early years of the 20th century) was via the MGWR line, as the GSWR line via Drumcondra and North Strand Junction was much later. So if its restoration of old track what if any planning permission is required?
However while it makes the overall laybout more flexible, it also complicates matters with much more scope for conflicting paths, You don't get something for nothing.
This is what I mean re bridges, this is at Donabate. In the first image one can see the original GNR arched bridge that has been there since the line and station opened in the 1840s, and below you can see the replacement, which just looks out of place, out of proportion and simply wrong:
Additionally, the platform was shortened when the new bridge was built.
I'd prefer a frequent and reliable dart service to preserving every bridge.
All listed in the planning docs for each of the DART+ project
The millions of DART passengers every year are going to far prefer a better train service than an old bridge.
Those sections of the DART+ West RO are approved, and not being JRed, so too late to complain now.
Yeah, you always see water level above the sleepers at Broom Bridge, when the canal rises.
Can’t see the bridges that will be demolished on the Drogheda route, just 4 that are listed for track lowering works. So are there no bridges being demolished on this line?
Ah I didn't realise, that's a shame. They made it sounds like Wicklow town services were closer than that. Though, I understand the rest are required for DART service, but are the platform extensions needed? I know it would be required to send full length units, which I assume will be possible once the extension is complete, but at least if the other works are complete before the platform extensions could they send half length units?
if you plan to run Drogheda to Wicklow or Howth Wicklow you have to be full length makes no sense otherwise.
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