Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:114. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport the progress on the Dart+ project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51873/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 30 September 2025
Ceisteanna (114)
Freagraí scríofa
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 DART+ Programme aims to modernise and improve existing rail services in the GDA, by increasing the electrified network for circa 50km to 150km and doubling city centre capacity during peak hours.
The DART+ Programme, which was approved in principle by Government in 2021, will involve the extension of DART services in the Greater Dublin Area as far as M3 Parkway, Maynooth, Hazelhatch and Drogheda, and will also provide an improvement on the existing DART line south of Dublin City. It is also planned to extend the existing DART fleet through a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet.
We received positive news in August that a Railway Order for DART+ Costal North was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála. The Railway Order for DART+ South West was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024, and conditional approval for DART+ West was granted in July 2024.
Procurement for DART+ South West and Dart+ West is also progressing, with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving 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 and from Drogheda.
I look forward to progressing these projects as we strive to improve the rail network for passengers and wider society during the term of this Government.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.