Commenting on the eventual decision of An Bord Pleanala on the DART+ West Railway Order, published this morning, said that while it is to be welcomed, the decision to refuse permission for the Maynooth depot – essential to the delivery not just just of DART+ West to Leixlip and Maynooth but also DART+ South West to Hazelhatch and Celbridge is exceptionally disappointing.
In the interests of rapid delivery of these essential projects for North Kildare, Irish Rail must both tender for the elements of the project which have been granted permission immediately; and must also commit to applying for a new Railway Order for the Maynooth depot at the first instance.
It would be outrageous if a multi-year delay to this project is caused by what should be an easily amendable element of the planning process.