Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
125. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to expand capacity, reliability and accessibility on the DART network; and the way planned investment will address overcrowding, station accessibility and connectivity for communities, including those across north Dublin. [15479/26]
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.
The DART+ programme which comprises five different projects in and around the 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.
Funding secured under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by the Department in November 2025, will see construction start before 2030 on the DART+ programme, beginning with DART+ West, which is the crucial enabler of the rest of the programme.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Coastal North will provide an extension of DART services from Malahide to Drogheda. The Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published by my Department in November 2025 notes that there is also the 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, prior to 2030, in advance of works on Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE).
Three fleet orders have been placed comprising 285 battery-electric and electric carriages. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started to arrive in Ireland 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.
It is also planned to deploy at least some of the second order of 90 battery-electric DART carriages to allow commencement of the Wicklow DART extension around 2029.
The new fleet offers enhanced accessibility with each of the low-height doorway thresholds being equipped with an automatic retractable step and offering the potential for unassisted level access from station platforms.
The new carriages also includes improved facilities for families and for cyclists, with dedicated family and bicycle storage areas.
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.
