Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
358. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed Cabra train station can go ahead in advance of the DART south west project and serve commuters using the existing service that run from Newbridge and Hazelhatch/Celbridge to Connolly and Grand Canal Dock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4238/26]
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 and the provision of new railway stations.
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. This will significantly enhance access to high capacity public transport across the GDA.
DART+ South West will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. A Railway Order was approved for DART+ South West by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
The NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, which was adopted by the Minister for Transport and published in January 2023, has identified the potential for opening a new railway station at Cabra to better serve the suburb and surrounding areas. Cabra sits within the section of track that will be addressed by the DART+ South West project, and the NTA has provided funding to Iarnród Éireann this year for the preparation of designs and planning for the station. A public information campaign on Cabra Train Station was held by Iarnród Éireann during June/July 2025.
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.
