As 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 and stations along the DART line.
The DART+ Coastal North project will benefit the existing rail station at Balbriggan, increasing train capacity and frequency. Planning approval for DART+ Coastal North was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.
The NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan, which was published by my Department in November, notes that there is potential to commence works on elements of DART+ Coastal North, including supporting infrastructure such as track passing loops and a new platform at Drogheda station over the period 2026-2030, in advance of works on Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE) .
DART+ Fleet provides 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, including Balbriggan.
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.
