Major Rail Boost: Government Greenlights Funding for DART+ Coastal North Extension into Louth

Major Rail Boost: Government Greenlights Funding for DART+ Coastal North Extension into Louth
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National Infrastructure Update
Transport & Infrastructure Louth Region 23 June 2026

New Momentum for DART+ Coastal North: Cabinet Approves Significant Funding for Regional Rail Expansion

Getting around our region is set to become a little bit easier, with the Government officially greenlighting a major financial package to upgrade our national rail network.
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It was a busy day in the Cabinet as ministers moved to approve a significant investment aimed at modernizing how we travel. For those of us living in **Louth**, the most welcome news is the direct support for the DART+ Coastal North project, which is now on track for a faster delivery thanks to this fresh injection of capital.

Connecting Communities

This isn’t just about single projects; it is part of a wider “Shared Island” vision to boost connections across the country. As part of this, the Government has committed a €190m contribution toward a large-scale rail infrastructure program stretching from Derry to Belfast and down to Dublin. The goal is ambitious: by 2030, officials want to see line capacities increased and travel times between our capital and Belfast trimmed down to under two hours.

Crucially for our local area, this investment covers essential upgrades on the tracks north of Malahide and at Clongriffin. These works are vital because they directly facilitate the DART+ expansion, effectively bringing the electrified rail network closer to our doorstep here in **Louth**.

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The funding doesn’t stop there. An additional €35m has been set aside to support the hourly Dublin-to-Belfast service, which has already proven incredibly popular, seeing a 40% jump in passenger numbers since it launched.

📋 Wider Shared Island Initiatives

Beyond the rail improvements, the Cabinet approved a broad range of supports that will impact various sectors:

  • Renewable Energy: A new development scheme for ports to support offshore wind assembly.
  • Industrial Sustainability: €20m allocated for a challenge fund focusing on the green economy and climate tech.
  • Regional Growth: Ongoing support for the Ulster Canal project, cross-border healthcare, and creative industries.
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