Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
278. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport if the announcement in December 2025 regarding the purchasing of new DART carriages will have automatic ramps covering the gap between train carriage and station platforms. [11481/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet.
One of the primary objectives of the design of the DART+ Fleet is to provide improved accessibility for train users. Low level flooring and entrance doors will reduce the stepping height for passengers and improve access for persons with reduced mobility.
The new carriages will prioritise independent access, with each of the low-height doorway thresholds being equipped with an automatic retractable step and offering the potential for unassisted level access from suitable platforms, aligned with platform enhancements.
Three fleet orders have been placed comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of DART carriages ordered to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage trains.
Trains from the first order of 95 carriages 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 carriages to allow commencement of the Wicklow DART extension around 2029.
In December 2025, the Department funded a third fleet order for a further 100 electric DART carriages, which will fully replace the original DART fleet. It is planned to deploy this third order of 100 electric carriages from the end of 2028.
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.
