Minister O’Brien opens Woodbrook, Ireland’s newest Train Station
10 August 2025
Woodbrook DART Station is 147th station on the network and will serve growing community including new housing developments
Ireland’s newest train station, Woodbrook DART Station, has been officially opened by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and the Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Cllr. Jim Gildea today.
Minister O’Brien and Cathaoirleach Gildea were joined by representatives from Iarnród Éireann, the National Transport Authority, and representatives of the local community for a family fun day to celebrate the stations opening.
Woodbrook Station, which is located between Bray and Shankill, will serve the existing and new communities of Woodbrook and Shanganagh. It is the 147th Station on the company’s network.
Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, the station is at the heart of a new residential community of up to 2,300 housing units. Identified as a ‘Future Development Area’ in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan Core Strategy, the development at Woodbrook, together with the new station, supports transport and land-use policy, delivering a substantial compact sustainable residential community in the Woodbrook-Shanganagh area. The opening of the station will enable sustainable transport choices, reducing reliance on the private car and assisting Ireland in reaching its climate action targets.
The station features:
- Up to 191 daily DART services every weekday
- A journey time of 40 minutes to city centre stations
- Two 174m long platforms with associated passenger shelters, seating, lighting, CCTV, customer information, bicycle parking and ticketing facilities
- Access across the railway tracks is via a new pedestrian bridge with ramps for accessibility as well as stepped access
- The station is fully accessible with level access to platforms provided via ramps. In general, no car parking is provided however, two designated car parking spaces are provided for the holders of a disabled person’s parking permit
- Station design allows for future plans for pedestrian and cycling access routes in the station vicinity
Access to the station is via Woodbrook Avenue. Substantive works began in November 2023, and the station has opened on schedule.
Minster for Transport Darragh O’Brien said:
“I am delighted to be here for the opening of Woodbrook Station. The new station, together with the new housing developments being progressed in the area, is an example of transport and land use planning working in step, to provide an efficient, reliable and sustainable transport service for the growing population in the Woodbrook-Shanganagh area”.
Speaking at the launch, Iarnród Éireann’s Chief Executive said:
“It is a proud day for us at Iarnród Éireann to open the 147th station on the network. Woodbrook will provide a fast, reliable, sustainable transport option for new and existing communities in the area. The DART+ programme will further enhance the service we provide. I would also like to commend all the team that worked on the construction of the station. Constructing a station on the live railway is a huge challenge, one that was delivered on time and within budget”
Assistant Director of Transport Investment with the National Transport Authority, Eoin Gillard said:
"Woodbrook Station stands as a model for how integrated planning of transport and housing can help foster vibrant, sustainable communities leveraging the benefits of existing transport infrastructure. With frequent DART services and a focus on accessibility, Woodbrook is poised to become a vital public transport hub, supporting local residents to travel safely, sustainably, and with ease. The NTA is delighted to support the successful delivery of this project by Iarnród Éireann, which offers a genuine alternative to car dependency and supports our climate goals."
An Cathaoirleach Cllr Jim Gildea and Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
“The opening of Woodbrook Station marks a significant milestone in the development of this part of the county and reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable growth and the creation of well-connected, future-ready communities. It will serve both existing and new communities in Woodbrook and Shanganagh, supporting a growing residential area of up to 2,300 homes and into the future, a further potential 2,300 homes at Old Connaught. The station is a key component of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan and we are proud to see such a meaningful investment in public transport—one that will benefit both new and long-established residents for generations to come.”