Iarnród Éireann’s formal land acquisition process for 206 directly affected landowners is moving DART+ West another step closer to construction, supporting the progression of one of Ireland’s major public transport infrastructure programmes.

Affected landowners have received Notices to Treat, formally beginning the acquisition process for property interests identified in the Railway Order required for the project, according to RTÉ News.

DART+ West will extend and electrify the rail network between Dublin, Maynooth and M3 Parkway, with planned improvements including a new Spencer Dock station, upgrades at Connolly Station, level-crossing interventions and additional bridge, electrical and civil engineering works.

For national procurement teams, the development is significant because major infrastructure programmes require procurement activity to progress alongside statutory approvals, land acquisition and design. Moving the property acquisition process forward provides greater visibility around the conditions required for future construction delivery.

The project forms part of the wider DART+ programme, which aims to expand the existing DART network from approximately 50km to more than 150km. The National Transport Authority has previously confirmed that pre-qualification notices for Design and Build works for DART+ West and DART+ South West were advertised in 2025.

The procurement implications extend beyond the principal construction packages. DART+ West will require capabilities across electrification, substations, station works, bridge interventions, level crossings, civil engineering and associated infrastructure, creating a broad potential supply chain around the programme.

For suppliers, the continued progression of the project provides an opportunity to monitor procurement timelines and prepare for future requirements. The DART+ West programme also sets out the project’s planned infrastructure and delivery requirements, providing greater visibility for businesses assessing where their capabilities may fit within the wider programme.

The land acquisition milestone also demonstrates the importance of coordinated public-sector planning when delivering complex infrastructure. Property requirements, statutory processes, procurement, design and construction all need to advance in sequence before major works can progress at scale.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: major public infrastructure programmes create procurement opportunities well before construction begins, making early visibility of project milestones and tender requirements increasingly important for suppliers seeking to participate in Ireland’s expanding transport infrastructure pipeline.

Source: RTÉ News / National Transport Authority / DART+ West