Ruth Coppinger
Question:314. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to consider the introduction of a DART for the Castleknock line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/26]
View answerThursday, 23 April 2026
Questions (314)
Written answers
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory 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.
In the light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending a more detailed response, DART+ West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Kilcock, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements. This project will extend DART services to Castleknock.
Conditional planning approval for DART+ West was secured in July 2024. As part of this decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála required that a new depot planning application be made due to flood risk. It is now proposed to construct the depot west of Kilcock, which would mean electrifying and double tracking the line beyond Maynooth as far as Kilcock also. A public consultation on the new depot has been underway since 16 March and will conclude on 27 April. A planning application is expected later this year to confirm this element of the project.
Procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing, with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
Funding has been provided in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by my Department in November last year, to advance DART+ West into construction next year.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.