WORK has started on the £10 million, 41/2 mile extension to the DART suburban rail network from Bray to Greystones, Co Wicklow, which is expected to be in operation by the end of 1998.
The Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, Mr Lowry, yesterday said the extension would involve the upgrading of the existing track and signalling, erection of overhead power lines and provision of new electrical substations.
The number of passengers using the service is expected to rise from 260 at present to 1,750.
Once operational, there will be five trains per hour at peak commuting times and every 20 to 30 minutes at other times. The journey to the city centre will take about 45 minutes.
Some £8.7 million of the project will be co-financed under the EU Cohesion Fund and the balance of £1.3 million will be financed by Iarnrod Eireann.