Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
375. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he has requested or secured funding from European Union Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in respect of the Dart+ West and Dart+ South-West projects; and if not, his plans to secure funding via CEF. [10136/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the DART+ programme which comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) will triple the length of the electrified rail 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+ West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements.
DART+ South West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge.
My Department will explore any EU funding, including the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which may become available to accelerate public transport projects.
Regarding future funding through the CEF, under the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, which is still being negotiated, the Deputy may wish to note that the CEF III proposal reached Partial General Approach in December last year, under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
I look forward to a constructive and collaborative negotiation with the European Parliament and Commission to agree a finalised text this year. Ireland’s hope is for a well-balanced final text which takes geographic specificities into account and aligns with our transport funding priorities up to 2034.
Once agreed as part of the broader MFF proposal, my officials will continue to work with relevant agencies and delivery partners to maximise Ireland’s performance in future CEF funding calls.
