However, as electricity supply sources become more sustainable, ultimately it sets the Greater Dublin Area rail services on course for a potentially emissions-free future, as well as generating reductions in noise, and cost savings in train operations.
The DART Underground project, yet to receive Government funding, will produce a change in rail efficiency, accessibility and quality within the Greater Dublin Area, as well as more travel options for rail users. The project comprises a tunnel linking the Northern line to the Heuston mainline with new underground stations at Docklands, Pearse, St Stephens Green, Christchurch and Heuston and a surface station at Inchicore.
Improved rail access and relief of capacity constraints to the centre of Dublin are crucial to the cities future growth and prosperity. DART Underground provides an efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to road transport and the capacity to enable growth within an otherwise constrained city centre. DART Underground is consistent with local, national and regional plans and strategies. DART Underground will improve travel in Dublin by:
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Reducing the need to interchange by providing direct routes for many trips whilst at the same time providing new interchange opportunities, linking the disparate rail lines into a network;
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Providing additional capacity, thereby reducing crowding, improving journey quality and enabling new development, especially in the Central Business District (CBD);
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Enabling higher frequencies and improved reliability; and
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Switching trips from car to rail thereby speeding up remaining road traffic.