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Five level crossings in south Dublin may be removed as part of plans to increase train frequency on the DART network, a measure that would reshape local traffic patterns. The proposals come from a technical report prepared for Iarnród Éireann and include a separate road link north of Merrion Gates to mitigate congestion.
What is being proposed
A report by engineering firm Arup, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, recommends permanently closing five level crossings in south Dublin: Lansdowne Road, Serpentine Avenue, Sandymount Avenue, Sydney Parade and Merrion Gates. The closures are intended to support the DART+ Coastal South project and allow more frequent train services on the route.
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As reported by The Irish Times, the study also proposes building an underpass north of Merrion Gates to link Merrion Road and Strand Road. That new route would give motorists an alternative where crossings are removed.
Why Iarnród Éireann says the changes are needed
An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson, Barry Kenny, said the authority’s goal is to run DART services more often. “We need to increase the frequency of our DART services, which is our ambition,” he said.
Mr Kenny warned that without separating road and rail, higher train frequency would force the crossing gates to remain shut for much longer. “Having a much higher frequency would see level crossing gates close to permanently being closed, which would have a huge impact on road traffic,” he added.
He said the DART+ approach—physically separating road and rail—would enable more trains while also providing new infrastructure for drivers.
Timing and the wider DART+ programme
The proposed closures are not imminent. Mr Kenny indicated the project is unlikely to proceed before 2030 at the earliest, leaving time for planning, consultation and design work.
Beyond the coastal scheme, the wider DART+ programme aims to expand the rail network by roughly 100 kilometres. Planned extensions would bring services to Drogheda in County Louth, Maynooth in County Kildare and the M3 Parkway near Dunboyne in County Meath.
For residents and commuters around the affected crossings, the report signals potential long-term changes to local movement and access, while offering increased rail capacity on Dublin’s coastal corridor.
