Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
191. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department could provide an update in relation to the Dart+ South West project, which was pushed back in terms of delivery; the solutions that are in place to ensure the original timeline is reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31437/26]
View answerUnder 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). This includes the DART+ programme and DART+ South West, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann.
In 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 this more detailed response, the DART+ South West project will extend DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge, including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. An Coimisiún Pleanála granted a Railway Order for DART+ South West in November 2024.
Funding from the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published by my Department last November has also allowed the for the commencement of Compulsory Purchase Orders for DART+ South West, starting in February.
Preparation for procurement for both DART+ South West and DART+ West is progressing, with pre-qualification questionnaire notices for design and build works advertised in May 2025. In addition, the procurement approach for DART+ West, which is expected to enter construction late next year, will see the establishment of common supplier frameworks across both DART+ West and South West to expedite the ultimate delivery and construction of the South West project.
As outlined in the current NDP, a review is expected to take place within the next three years and the capital investment programme may be updated to account for the latest economic and fiscal estimates at that point. This review will also offer an opportunity to reconsider the delivery timelines across our major public transport projects, including for DART+ South West.
In addition to Exchequer funding, my Department and agencies are actively exploring EU funding opportunities that may be be available to accelerate national public transport projects.
