Irish Rail proposes closing five South Dublin level crossings

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) is considering the permanent closure of five level crossings in South Dublin to facilitate the DART+ Coastal South project. A report prepared by Arup recommends closing the crossings at Lansdowne Road, Serpentine Avenue, Sandymount Avenue, Sydney Parade, and Merrion Gates.

The initiative aims to increase the frequency of DART services. According to spokesperson Barry Kenny, higher service frequency would require crossing gates to remain closed to road traffic for extended periods, significantly impacting local motorists. To mitigate congestion, the report suggests constructing an underpass north of Merrion Gates to connect Merrion Road and Strand Road.

The proposed closures are not imminent, with the project unlikely to proceed before 2030. The broader DART+ programme intends to extend the rail network by approximately 100 kilometres, reaching areas including Drogheda, Maynooth, and the M3 Parkway.