Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
141. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on DART+ as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25172/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ programme.
The DART+ programme will modernise and improve existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area, by electrifying the lines and purchasing new rolling stock among other work. The expansion will create a connected and electrified rail network for the Greater Dublin Area, increasing the network from circa 50km to 150km and doubling city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
The DART+ programme comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area and eastern region, including:
DART+ Fleet: a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric fleet;
DART+ West: extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth;
DART+ South West: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge;
DART+ Coastal North: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Drogheda;
DART+ Coastal South: improvement of current DART services from Dublin city centre to Greystones.
In December 2021 the Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ Programme and a fleet framework agreement between Irish Rail and Alstom. This framework allows for the purchase of up to 750 electric/battery-electric train carriages for the Irish Rail system over a 10-year period. This approval permitted the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which are expected to enter service in 2026. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement, which will see 90 new battery-electric multiple units arrive in 2026.
Following the submission of a Railway Order application in July 2022, an Oral Hearing for DART+ West was held in September/October 2023. A Railway Order for DART+ South West was lodged in March 2023. The DART+ Coastal North was submitted to Government in May 2024 and received consent for approval. A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North is expected to be lodged by July.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
