CIE proposes DART-type airport link

CIE has proposed a DART-type link to Dublin Airport, which it claims would cost €700m less than a planned Metro.

The body also says it can link Dublin’s two LUAS lines with an underground rail system between St. Stephen's Green and Connolly Station which would also take in Spencer Dock, the Liberties and Heuston Station.

The company has informed the Department of Transport that an investment of €3.4bn in the rail network would give a four-fold increase in passenger capacity by 2016.

Up to €400m would be needed for the DART extension to Dublin Airport. This, combined with the underground LUAS link, would cost €1.7bn compared with the Rail Procurement Agency’s (RPA) €2.5bn proposal.

Meanwhile, the RPA is due to announce a start date for the second LUAS line within the next fortnight.