Jennifer Whitmore
Question:198. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the arrival of the battery electric DART to Wicklow Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15539/26]
View answerThursday, 26 February 2026
Questions (198)
Written answers
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.
The NDP Transport Sectoral Investment Plan provides funding to enable the extension of the DART to Wicklow around 2029, using new battery-electric DART trains. This represents a significant acceleration compared to the plans set out in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, which would have seen the DART extension to Wicklow progressed no earlier than 2037.
Three train fleet orders have been placed as part of the DART+ Programme, comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of new DART carriages ordered to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage trains.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages (65 battery-electric and 30 electric) have started arriving 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.
It is 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. This will provide for a major boost in train service frequency between Wicklow and Dublin.
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.