As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. The NTA works closely with operators, in this case, Irish Rail, to ensure services are operated in a reliable and punctual manner. The daily operation of services is the responsibility of the operator.
The NTA also has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
The priority for rail capacity for the Greater Dublin Area is the DART+ Programme which will double rail capacity across the GDA network.
Two fleet orders have been placed under the DART+ Fleet project. These comprise 185 carriages, largely battery-electric, with some electric units. Battery-electric carriages from the first order of 95 carriages have started arriving into Ireland, are now undergoing testing, and are expected to be deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from next year.
The DART+ West project plans to extend DART services from the City Centre to the M3 Parkway and Maynooth. A Railway Order (planning application) was granted approval by An Bord Pleanála in July 2024 for DART+ West, subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are currently engaging on the submission of a new Railway Order for a depot. A Railway Order was granted for the DART+ South West project by An Bord Pleanála in November 2024. This project will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch, including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. Work is ongoing to progress the preparation of procurement documents, with a view to moving this project into procurement and thereafter into the construction stage in the coming years.
A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North, which will extend DART overhead electrified wires to Drogheda, was lodged in July 2024 which commenced the formal planning process. The Statutory Consultation period closed in October 2024. The project is currently awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála.
The DART+ Coastal South project will improve DART services on the existing DART line south of Dublin city, with the current focus on enhancing services between Bray and Greystones.
In light of Irish Rail and the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them both for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
