Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
129. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if the deployment of the new train sets on the northern commuter line will facilitate any additional services; if not, when additional services are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70676/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
The DART+ programme which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA will triple the length of the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
DART+ Costal North will provide an extension of DART services from the city centre to Drogheda. The planning approval for DART+ Costal North was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.
DART+ Fleet will provide a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. Two fleet orders have been placed (185 carriages, largely battery-electric with some electric units). The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027, which will provide additional capacity on the line.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
