A JUDICIAL REVIEW taken by a private company against the expansion of the Dart railway service has been resolved.

Iarnród Éireann confirmed today that the High Court action against the DART+ Coastal North project was struck out at the High Court today, after a resolution was reached outside of court by the two parties. 

An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the Railway Order in August of this year, but a judicial review was taken by the private company Alcove Ireland Three Ltd. As reported by numerous outlets, the company is controlled by developer Sean Reilly.

The company owns lands along the proposed route expansion, and took issue with the fact that these lands would be subject to a Compulsory Purchase Order. It brought proceedings in the High Court on 13 October of this year.

Judicial reviews have come under scrutiny in recent years, with opposition and Government TDs claiming they are causing unacceptable delays to necessary infrastructure projects. Most recently, residents of Dartmouth Square in south Dublin brought judicial review against the approval of the MetroLink project.

The Dart+ Coastal North will expand capacity and the length of the Dart from Malahide to Drogheda. According to Iarnród Éireann, it will significantly increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the northern route between Dublin City and Malahide, Howth and Drogheda.

Work is due to commence on the project in 2028. Commenting on the resolution, Eoin Gillard, assistant director of Transport Investment with the National Transport Authority, said the NTA was pleased the project “can now progress following the resolution of the judicial review”.

“This project will significantly enhance rail capacity and connectivity along the Northern Line, supporting sustainable travel and climate objectives. The NTA looks forward to working with Iarnród Éireann to deliver these improvements for passengers,” he said.