A new chapter in Ireland’s rail network began this morning with the official opening of Woodbrook DART Station — the first new station to join the Irish Rail network in 15 years.
Located between Shankill in south Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow, Woodbrook becomes the 147th station operated by Iarnród Éireann. The station is expected to play a central role in serving a rapidly developing community, with up to 191 daily services offering a 40-minute journey to Dublin city centre.
The milestone was marked by Iarnród Éireann with a social media post showing the first DART to stop at the station, accompanied by the caption: “First DART stops at our newest station, Woodbrook, NOW OPEN! Up to 191 daily services, 40 minutes to city centre, at the heart of new developments which will deliver c. 2,300 new homes.”
Barry Kenny, Head of Communications for Iarnród Éireann, described the station as a “positive delivery of public transport planning” during an interview on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland. He emphasised that several major housing projects are underway in the surrounding area, and the station will directly serve these new communities.
“This is an example of delivering public transport. It is there as the communities develop and grow,” Kenny said, highlighting the importance of aligning transport infrastructure with urban expansion.
Woodbrook’s opening reflects a broader vision to integrate public transport with Ireland’s housing strategy, ensuring that residents have efficient, sustainable travel options from the outset. The area surrounding the station is earmarked for approximately 2,300 new homes, making the facility a key component in shaping the region’s growth.
However, Kenny acknowledged that capacity challenges remain across the DART network, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area, where demand continues to rise. He noted that Iarnród Éireann is investing in significant infrastructure upgrades to double capacity, ensuring the network can meet the needs of a growing population.
The station’s opening is expected to benefit not only future residents but also commuters travelling between Dublin and Wicklow, providing an additional access point and easing pressure on nearby stations.
The launch of Woodbrook Station comes amid renewed investment in Ireland’s rail system, with upgrades and expansions aimed at improving service frequency, reducing congestion, and supporting the country’s climate goals through sustainable transport solutions.
With trains now stopping at the new facility, residents and visitors alike will have more convenient access to Dublin city, marking an important step in Ireland’s ongoing efforts to modernise and expand its public transport network.
