Proposed Howth DART Shuttle: Let’s Talk Infrastructure!

Tue 8 Oct 2024 - Jed van de Poll - CEO of Metro Dublin

Before any changes to the Howth DART service are implemented, building a road underpass at the Warrenhouse/Baldoyle Road level crossing should be a priority to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety. This essential infrastructure upgrade would minimise disruptions caused by increased train frequency and support the long-term growth of the Howth community.

DART at Howth Junction & Donaghmede

Recently, a proposal has emerged to transform the Howth DART into a shuttle service, running exclusively between Howth and Howth Junction & Donaghmede, cutting out the direct connection to Connolly Station. As someone who has lived in Howth for the past 40 years, I have seen firsthand how changes to local transit impact daily life and the surrounding community. While I won’t delve into the merits of this particular proposal, I feel it’s important to highlight an essential prerequisite: infrastructure upgrades, particularly at the Warrenhouse/Baldoyle Road level crossing, need to happen before any DART service modifications are introduced.

One of the most pressing concerns is the level crossing on Warrenhouse/Baldoyle Road. This crossing is already a notorious bottleneck, and with the proposed shuttle service, the potential for significant traffic disruptions could increase substantially. Under the current setup, the barriers at this crossing can be closed for as much as 30 minutes during peak commuting hours. These delays lead to extensive backups that affect everyone—commuters, local businesses, and residents who rely on this route to navigate Howth and surrounding areas. If shuttle trains are running with greater frequency between Howth and Howth Junction & Donaghmede, the wait times could easily increase, further compounding traffic woes.

To alleviate these issues, a road underpass at Warrenhouse/Baldoyle Road is a crucial infrastructure improvement that should be prioritised before any shuttle modifications go into effect. This underpass would allow traffic to flow continuously, regardless of the shuttle schedule, minimising disruptions and improving safety and convenience for everyone. This crossing is a critical connection point in Howth, and reducing traffic congestion here would not only benefit drivers but also reduce environmental impact by decreasing idling times and emissions.

DART Train

In addition to easing traffic, an underpass would also enhance pedestrian safety, which is particularly important given the mix of residential and schools in the area. Children, cyclists, and pedestrians often navigate this busy road, and a more streamlined, safe, and less congested crossing could make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

Moreover, as Howth continues to grow and attract new residents and visitors, the need for improved infrastructure becomes even more pressing. An underpass would serve as a long-term solution that can handle increased traffic and support future community growth, while also making the area more accessible and appealing to those who visit Howth for its natural beauty, seaside views, and local attractions.

Implementing an infrastructure project like an underpass may seem like a significant investment, but it would serve as a foundational improvement, bringing long-term benefits to the Howth community. By addressing this issue now, we can ensure that any changes to the DART service are well-supported by infrastructure that can accommodate them effectively. Ultimately, we need to think not just about immediate transit adjustments but also about how these changes impact the overall flow and quality of life in Howth for years to come.

So, what do you think? Should building this underpass be a priority before any changes to the Howth DART service are introduced? Share your thoughts below, and let’s ensure that as Howth evolves, our infrastructure grows to meet the needs of our community.