Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
42. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to consider the implementation of additional carriages for a train route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28910/26]
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.
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, there are various initiatives under development which will boost rail capacity and frequency and help alleviate train over-crowding on the line between Dublin and Maynooth.
Funding provided in the NDP Sectoral Plan published by my Department last November provides for construction to start on DART+ West next year. This key project will provide an extension of DART services from Dublin city to M3 Parkway and, pending planning approval, Kilcock, as well as the construction of a new rail depot and city centre enhancements as part of a broader upgrade to boost Dublin rail capacity.
In addition, three orders for new DART trains have been placed in recent years, comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of new DART carriages ordered to 285. Deployment of the first and second trains orders around Dublin will free up existing Intercity and Commuter trains to be used on other rail routes. This carriage redeployment will be decided on by the NTA, and it could boost rail services for commuters from late 2027, ahead of the implementation of the infrastructure upgrades under DART+ West.
I look forward to seeing all of these important projects advance and deliver additional rail passenger capacity and services for the communities served by the DART+ West line.
