The business case for DART+ Programme, the largest investment in heavy rail in Irish history, has been progressed as a co-ordinated programme of integrated projects delivered over several years, rather than a series of discrete projects. Discover why.
For almost 40 years, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) network has provided a vital link between central Dublin and the suburbs to the north and south.
However, as the city’s population grows, rising demand is placing significant pressure on the network. That’s why Iarnród Éireann (IÉ), Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA) have joined forces to deliver the DART+ Programme, the largest investment in Ireland’s heavy rail network to date.
This multi-year, region-wide investment in rail infrastructure, will transform Dublin’s transport network by integrating routes, optimising service capacity, and aligning with other modes as well as broader transport schemes such as BusConnects and MetroLink.
By doubling the capacity and trebling the electrification of the existing system, this ambitious scheme is set to enhance regional connectivity, promote sustainable travel and support Ireland’s climate goals – all of which will help put rail at the centre of sustainable transport in Ireland.
Appointed by IÉ, we prepared the Preliminary Business Case (PBC), treating DART+ Programme as a co-ordinated programme of integrated projects over several years – rather than a series of standalone projects.
This approach not only maximises value and efficiency but also guards against project splitting and supports the development of transport ‘networks’ which improve regional connectivity. It also makes it easier to gain a holistic picture of the socio-environmental benefits the investment will bring.
Ultimately, a programmatic approach recognises that the sum of the whole is more than the sum of the benefits of each individual project. It also recognises the benefits of transport infrastructure investment are maximised when undertaken as part of a network-wide series.
A strategy for transformative outcomes
By appraising DART+ Programme as a single, integrated programme, it was possible to focus on interconnected benefits. A programmatic approach to DART+ facilitates:
- Cross-project efficiency: Co-ordinated planning across projects reduces duplication and leverages economies of scale. Bulk procurement and shared resources across the DART+ Programme minimise costs and optimises resource use.
- Operational continuity: Upgrading an active rail network requires maintaining uninterrupted passenger services. The programmatic strategy allows for better scheduling and resource allocation, minimising disruptions and ensuring continuous service throughout the upgrades.
- Enhanced sustainability and regional integration: The programme promotes connections with other transportation projects such as MetroLink and BusConnects, building a robust, interlinked transit network that prioritises sustainable urban mobility which in turn helps meet national climate action goals.
Comprehensive, region-wide impact analysis
Utilising the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Eastern Region Model, our programme-level appraisal for DART+ Programme captures the cumulative impact on the region, including impacts on travel patterns, traffic and emissions. This holistic perspective gives a deeper insight into how DART+ Programme will influence social, environmental and economic goals across Greater Dublin.
This comprehensive model assesses all capital, operational, and lifecycle costs, providing a complete view of the value delivered by the programme over time.
This approach helps to identify critical interdependencies within the rail system, synchronising interlinked projects like fleet expansion and depot construction for maximum impact.
It also informs phasing decisions to optimise the timeline for delivery and integration, reducing overall timeframes and improving budget adherence.
Avoiding the pitfalls of a segmented approach
A non-programmatic approach to DART+ Programme, treating it as a series of discrete projects, would have posed significant limitations, undermining the strategic aims of the programme. Potential issues include:
- Increased costs: Repeated upgrades and separations would negate the economies of scale achievable through unified procurement and management.
- Extended disruptions: Fragmented project timelines could prolong passenger inconvenience, with sporadic disruptions over an extended period.
- Missed holistic benefits: Only a programmatic approach can capture the full, integrated gains in accessibility, connectivity, and operational efficiency that the complete DART+ system offers. There is also a risk that by not taking a programmatic approach certain elements of the programme won’t get delivered. In that case, the network’s wider benefits are not realised.
Well-positioned for future delivery
As Dublin continues to grow, the DART+ Programme is a key element of the city’s sustainable transport strategy.
The programmatic approach taken to the business case means that DART+ is now well placed to deliver the intended socio-environmental benefits across Dublin’s Eastern region, while prioritising enhanced value for money and return on investment.