Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
305. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the extension of the battery electric DART to Wicklow town; the breakdown of the number of the second order of 90 battery-electric DART carriages that will be deployed to the southern commuter line serving Dublin to/from Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45441/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area. #
In the case of the DART+ programme, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann. As such 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, I note that a total of 285 electric and battery-electric carriages have been ordered to date as part of the DART+ Fleet project. The first order of battery-electric carriages, which is currently undergoing safety testing, is scheduled to enter service on the Northern line from Dublin to Drogheda in 2027. Subsequently, it is planned that deployment of the second order of 90 battery-electric DART carriages will enable the extension of the DART to Wicklow in 2029.
The total number of carriages to be deployed on each line will be determined by Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the NTA.
