The no new trains is simply achieved by killing the direct Howth service and heavily cutting back on Malahide and using the surplus in the current fleet. Clearly that is not acceptable as Malahide can fill an 8 coach DART to standing several times an hour
It is not a runner unless 4 tracks are provided across the northside and indeed the interconnector tunnel is in place also. In time terms the 748 bus can make it from Dublin Airport to Connolly station in under 25 minutes, best the DART could do (without 4 tracks) is 27-30 minutes, with 4 tracks 18 minutes. Irish Rail's plans clearly indicate non stop Connolly Airport with 4 tracks
The assessment (2004/5 ish) quoted 350-450 million depending on over or underground approach to Dublin airport, but an annual carrying of 4.6-5.4 million i.e 13-15k a day not 10k. On the positive side it would on its own make enough to bank roll the entire Dublin commuter network
About 2 months back RUI made a submission to the NTA with respect to the 2030 vision document, based on meetings with people on the Northern Irish side with respect to Belfast and the new EU transport policy and knowing Irish Rail has been told that 4 tracks can't be done from Rahney to Howth Junction, we proposed an alternative loosely phrased as Interconnector phase 2
Quote:
2. Proposed 4 tracks between Connolly and Ballbriggan
Fully support this vision element and view this as the most important rail infrastructure element post Interconnector/DART underground construction. However we raise considerable concern as to the practicality of the proposals contained in the 2030 Vision. 4 tracks Connolly Balbriggan will require massive property acquisition and demolition through north Dublin, numerous bridges requiring rebuild and considerable challenges through Malahide and across the Broadmeadows Estuary which is a SAC. While the final result would deliver a substantial capacity increase there would be years of very considerable disruption to service at a level much greater than that experienced the Kildare Route Project. Considering these concerns and recognising the economic corridor which exists between Dublin and Belfast and proposed EU transport policy of high speed rail over short to medium distance and heavy rail connections to airports.
Alternative option for investigation
4 Track Connolly to Killester achievable thanks to front loading of infrastructure e.g. east wall bridge was built for 4 tracks. 2 track on west side of current alignment
2 Track line diverges south of Killester (Golf Course) into a tunnel to Dublin Airport, station (4 platforms) Dublin Airport and then surfaces north of Airport adjacent to M1 avoiding the SAC of Broadmeadows Estuary and rejoining the exiting rail route just north of Donabate
This route provides a significant catchment area increase and recognises Dublin Airport as a both a key international and regional transport interchange location. Provides also a high quality public transport option from North Dublin, Meath, Louth and Northern Ireland direct to Dublin Airport while maintaining a direct connection to Dublin. Eliminates the need for any work in the Killester - Donabate section and provides a separate 2 track line providing redundancy
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