Some landowners along new DART route issued with CPOs

Over 200 landowners received letters from Iarnród Éireann today, advising them of compulsory purchase orders along the proposed DART+ West route. In a statement, Iarnród Éireann said the "directly impacted landowners" were issued with a Notice to Treat. It said a Notice to Treat is a statutory step that formally initiates the land purchase process and "confirms CIÉ's intention to acquire certain property interests identified in the Railway Order that are needed to deliver the DART+ West project, on behalf of Iarnród Éireann". Compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) allow local councils, and sometimes the Land Development Agency, to acquire land for public purposes, such as improving public transport. DART+ West will expand DART services to include communities in Ashtown, Pelletstown, Broombridge, Castleknock, Coolmine, Clonsilla, Navan Road Parkway, Drumcondra, Leixlip, Maynooth and Hansfield, Dunboyne and M3 Parkway. DART+ West will provide a DART service at least every 10 minutes, according to Iarnród Éireann. The project will see the existing DART network grow from 50km in length to over 150km through the electrification and upgrade of existing lines. As well as electrifying the rail line and increasing rail services, the project will deliver a new station at Spencer Dock and upgrades to Connolly Station. Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said: "Advancing the DART+ programme is a major priority for Government, and the issuing of these [CPO] notices will help us commence the construction of DART+ West next year." The Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Mary Considine said: "DART+ West will deliver a turn up and go level of rail service, with a new more accessible DART stopping at these communities every 10 minutes. Customers can expect a more sustainable, more reliable, more user-friendly service, helping more people to leave their cars at home. "The commencement of the formal land acquisition process for DART+ West is the next statutory step to meet the requirements of the Railway Order and a significant milestone in the delivery of the DART+ Programme."