[Article] DART airport plan on track as Metro North hits the buffers

[Mark Gleeson]

Originally Posted by Irish Independent

By Paul Melia

THE high-profile €2.5bn Metro North project is set to be shelved in favour of a 20-year-old plan to build an extension of the DART line to Dublin Airport, the Irish Independent has learned.

The Government has ordered Iarnrod Eireann to update the 1991 plan to build a 6.5km spur just after Clongriffin DART Station to the airport.

It is estimated the overground rail project would cost just €300m and provide a high-speed link-up to the city centre at a fraction of the cost of the underground Metro plan.

The move comes amid major concerns about funding the €2.5bn Metro North light-rail system, which was due to run from St Stephen's Green to Swords via the airport.

The DART extension was first mooted in 1991 by Iarnrod Eireann and Aer Rianta.

It was later suggested in 2005 as part of the Government's ambitious Transport 21 programme, but rejected at the time in favour of Metro North.

However, the Government has now ordered the rail company to revisit the plan because it is an affordable solution to providing Dublin Airport with a rail link to the city centre.

Under the revised plan, DART trains would run from Dublin Airport every 15 minutes from 5am to 1am, reaching Pearse or Connolly stations in just over 20 minutes.

The airport DART station would be built next to the airport terminals and would enable travellers from as far away as Greystones, Co Wicklow, to travel direct to the airport on trains.

Land costs would be minimal, as much of the land needed is agricultural and undeveloped, and there would be no need to buy extra trains.

Passengers numbers are expected at 10,000 a day and a park-and-ride site could be built nearby, probably close to the M1 motorway, to allow commuters from Swords to use the service to and from the city.

This and the airport terminus would be the only new stations on the line.

Total construction costs are estimated at €300m, including the cost of purchasing land, and the project could be completed in just three years. Up to 3,000 jobs would be created.

Design

"There's a lot of detailed design and a planning application needed," an Iarnrod Eireann spokesman said.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar last week said just one of three major capital investment projects would go ahead from DART Underground (€2bn), Metro North (€2.5bn) or the link-up of the two Luas lines, called BXD.

But he also added a fourth project into the decision process -- the DART airport link.

"It is not a new proposal and has been raised before. . . However, if we cannot proceed with Metro North on the basis of cost, it may be a viable alternative," Mr Varadkar told the Irish Independent last night.

"Cost will be a very important consideration when deciding on future investments. We must ensure that any new project is affordable."

Both DART Underground and Metro North are due to be financed under Public Private Partnerships (PPP), where the private sector builds the lines and the State repays the cost over time. But sourcing funding is difficult because of the economic situation.

Mr Varadkar added: "In the absence of available PPPs, upcoming projects will have to be on a smaller scale, with costs running to hundreds of millions of euros rather than billions."

The Government has ordered a review of the capital spending programme which will be completed in the autumn, but it is understood a decision on the airport link could be made before the summer.

- Paul Melia

© Irish Independent 2011
http://www.independent.ie/national-n...s-2635349.html

[Thomas J Stamp]

this was coming since in one of his replies to PQ's in the Dail, Minister Varadkar mentioned a DART to the Airport in passing. Its the little things you have to look out for.

interesting line - "there would be no need to buy extra trains" - hopefully this is in the context of DART2 and DART Underground and not otherwise.

This crosses Metro North off Varadkars beauty contest, still leaves DART Underground fighting Luas interconnecter.

[comcor]

No reason why this can't be extended to Swords and perhaps even onto Ashbourne in the longer term.

Swords and the airport were always the big selling points for Metro North. The case for Ballymun and DCU was no better than the case for many other rail projects and probably couldn't have justified the extra money.

I suppose the question becomes about the capacity of the Northern Line and it may be necessary to rexamine the idea of Howth-Howth Junction being a connection rather than a direct destination as a consequence.

[Mark Gleeson]

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

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

[comcor]

As a proposal, it's pretty good, but presumably it would cost quite an amount of money and take some time.

In the shorter term, are there many stations that could be quad tracked through the stations to allow InterCity and Commuter trains to pass DARTs?

I would imagine Clontarf Rd and Howth Junction.

Also, possibly Raheny and Kilbarrack if you moved them from their current location?

I haven't travelled through Clongriffen since it opened. I assume it was only built with 2 lines through?

[Mark Gleeson]

Irish Rail's reports favour 2 tracks on western side. 3 tracks possible within existing boundary. 4 tracks would require land acquisition. Every station and bridge would need to be rebuilt

The problem is Rahney to North of Howth Junction, there was no way to reasonably fit 4 tracks, only 3. Now the proposals suggested grade separation at Howth Junction. The Airport spur would be grade separated and merge just north of Clongriffen which is built with 4 platform already

The scale of disruption required would be immense and that is a serious concern

Should be noted the DART, 29000, ICR and Mk4 fleets are all designed to cat B fire standards and can operate in long tunnels. All you have to worry about is ventilation.

Cost wise to get 4 tracks in to Clongriffen would be 600+ million, add 400 million to get to the Airport and some extra trains say 100 million you are already 1.1 billion down, add in 4 tracks to Donabate could be another 400 million. But your airport spur is 8km the wrong way so a very slow route if you want to do Ballbriggan Airport Dublin its out as is Dublin Belfast via Airport as it adds 16km to the journey

Our tunnel option plus the loop back towards Rush and Lusk would be ballpark 2 billion, but its direct and avoids the need to grade separate Howth Junction, dig up Killester Donabate, avoids Malahide Esturary and provides a new service from north of the Airport. Best of all in distance terms its 2-3km extra at most but without the curves or traffic of the existing route so you can fly along at full speed. All Ballbriggan/Drogheda/Dundalk/Belfast would divert via tunnel. DART from Rush and Lusk on existing route. P&R and interchange at Rush and Lusk

Ignoring the complexities in isolation the spur doesn't work you need 4 track and interconnector and if you are going to go that far you might as well get the full package

[Colm Moore]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0902/transport.html

Proposed DART link to airport would cost €200m
Updated: 15:29, Friday, 2 September 2011

Iarnród Éireann has submitted a business case for a DART rail link to Dublin Airport to the Minister for Transport.

Iarnród Éireann has submitted a business case for a DART rail link to Dublin Airport to Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar.

The project, costing an estimated €200 million, would deliver direct services to the city centre through the construction of a 7km rail line from Clongriffin to the airport.

The projected journey time is estimated at 25 minutes.

Iarnród Éireann was asked by the Minister for Transport a number of months ago to submit a proposal - the business case was prepared by AECOM and Goodbody Economic Consultants.

The study predicts that such a link to the airport would see the number of passengers travelling by DART increase by more than 50%.

The proposed route from Clongriffin would pass through undeveloped land underneath the flightpath to the airport.

Around 500 jobs a year would be created during the construction of the link.

"Employment in the wider Airport environs is predicted to rise to 20,000 persons and some 38 million air passengers will use the Airport in 2030," according to the submission.

"This economic return is enhanced by the fact that construction of the Link will be largely in green field, thus minimising both the capital costs and the disruption during the construction phase."

Iarnród Éireann spokesperson Barry Kenny said there is a strong case for the project in terms of the tourism, environmental and business benefits.

Minister Varadkar has already said only one major transport project is likely to get the go-ahead.

[Colm Moore]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0902/transport.html

Uncertainty over Dublin transport projects
Updated: 21:59, Friday, 2 September 2011

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said the country is in receivership and it is by no means certain that any of the major transport projects for Dublin will be built in the next five years.

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said the country is in receivership and it is by no means certain that any of the major transport projects for Dublin will be built in the next five years.

He said the Government is considering the different transport options for the capital - including Metro North, DART Underground, the Luas Connector, and the DART link to Dublin Airport.

He says each is being assessed on affordability grounds, on the transport and economic benefit it would have for the city, and how many jobs it would create and hopes that one of the projects can be funded.

The Government will publish a new National Development Plan in the coming weeks, which will clarify which infrastructural projects will go ahead.

Iarnród Éireann has submitted a business case for a DART rail link to Dublin Airport to Minister Varadkar.

The project, costing an estimated €200 million, would deliver direct services to the city centre through the construction of a 7km rail line from Clongriffin to the airport.

The projected journey time is estimated at 25 minutes.

Iarnród Éireann was asked by the Minister for Transport a number of months ago to submit a proposal - the business case was prepared by AECOM and Goodbody Economic Consultants.

The study predicts that such a link to the airport would see the number of passengers travelling by DART increase by more than 50%.

The proposed route from Clongriffin would pass through undeveloped land underneath the flightpath to the airport.

Around 500 jobs a year would be created during the construction of the link.

"Employment in the wider Airport environs is predicted to rise to 20,000 persons and some 38 million air passengers will use the Airport in 2030," according to the submission.

"This economic return is enhanced by the fact that construction of the Link will be largely in green field, thus minimising both the capital costs and the disruption during the construction phase."

Iarnród Éireann spokesperson Barry Kenny said there is a strong case for the project in terms of the tourism, environmental and business benefits.

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...305001673.html

No funds for Metro North plan
MICHAEL O'REGAN

MINISTER FOR Transport Leo Varadkar cast doubts on the Government giving the go-ahead to the Dublin Metro North rail project during its term in office.

He said it was a good project and would benefit his Dublin West constituency enormously.

“I would love to be able to deliver it to my constituents during my term in office, but it is the most expensive project by a mile and requires both private and public finances, neither of which are available, apparently, although this may change,” he added.

Mr Varadkar said the Government would not do anything to prevent Metro North, the Dart underground and the Luas BXD line going ahead in the future.

“If it is not possible for all, or any, of those projects to proceed during the term of this Government, we will ensure they get to the end-of-railway stage and have planning permission so that they will be shovel-ready when it is possible to proceed,’’ he added.

Dessie Ellis (SF) said Metro North had so far cost €150 million. He said the Government was talking about raising €5 billion, some of which would go towards job creation.

“I am not necessarily saying I agree with the selling off of State assets, because I do not, but I believe this project would deliver a lot of jobs,” he added.

Mr Varadkar said he had previously expressed the view that he would favour the sale of State assets if the money could be reinvested in the economy.

[dowlingm]

If Dessie Ellis is worried about jobs from Metro North, we should not use TBMs but rather navvies.

[Jack O'Neill]

on RTE news website...

Metro North has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála despite doubts about the future of the project

Metro North has been given the final go-ahead despite doubts about the future of the project.

The Rail Procurement Agency was given permission for a 16.5-km track from St Stephen's Green to Swords last October.

But An Bord Pleanála had shortened the proposed route and asked that the rail depot be moved from Belinstown north of Swords to Dardistown south of Dublin Airport.

Today the board approved revised plans which would also involve permission for acquisition of lands.

Two plots are occupied by sports clubs Na Fianna and Whitehall Rangers. There is also land owned by Fingal County Council used as an aircraft viewing area and land belonging to the Dublin Airport Authority.

The permission will last for 10 years meaning these lands and others along the route cannot be developed by anyone else in the meantime.

It is reported that Transport Minister Leo Varadkar will announce before the end of the year the postponement of both Metro North and the Underground DART - the combined cost is estimated at €5 billion.

But the Rail Procurement Agency is reported to have already spent €200 million on the Metro project and is now due to select a winning bid to build and operate Metro North from two competing consortiums Celtic Metro and Metro Express.

It is also understood the successful company would be entitled to compensation if the project is deferred.

Mr Varadkar recently announced that the Metro West project would not be going through the planning process.

[Colm Moore]

It is also understood the successful company would be entitled to compensation if the project is deferred.

Sensationalism. While there may be special arrangements in place to keep them sweet, there is no entitlement to compensation for tenderers.

[Mark Gleeson]

Indeed we always retain the right not to accept any offer at all.