New Luas Timetable, Dart Extension to Drogheda Among 54 Measures in Dublin Congestion Plan

A new action plan designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the Greater Dublin Area is anticipated to feature an updated Luas timetable with expanded services and an extension of the Dart line to Drogheda.

The proposed congestion action plan, slated for publication in the coming weeks, comprises 54 distinct measures. More than half of these initiatives are targeted for implementation within the next 18 months, while 26 measures are scheduled for medium-term delivery over the next three years.

This plan originated from a stakeholder meeting convened in March by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien. The meeting gathered input from various entities, including transport agencies and operators, local authorities, and An Garda Síochána.

Short-term measures expected in the plan include the designation of a section of the M4 motorway’s hard shoulder as a bus priority facility starting in August, a new Luas timetable in 2027 offering increased services, and the extension of Dart services to Drogheda next year. Additional immediate actions involve enhanced enforcement of bus lane regulations by An Garda Síochána, the launch of an M50 speed enforcement program, and the opening of a park-and-ride facility at Fassaroe, near Bray. Medium-term initiatives encompass new park-and-ride locations at Lissenhall, outside Swords, and at Celbridge on the M4, alongside a goods delivery strategy for Dublin city centre and the introduction of a new camera system for traffic enforcement. A source indicated that Minister O’Brien is «determined to tackle congestion to ensure workers and families can commute efficiently, that businesses can operate to their full potential, and to support tourism growth.» A primary objective is reportedly «to improve the effectiveness, capacity and attractiveness of public-transport alternatives, while also implementing supporting enforcement measures to improve network performance.»