Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:144. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the extension of the battery electric DART to Wicklow Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46301/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 June 2026
Ceisteanna (144)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.
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 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, I note that Iarnród Éireann has ordered a total of 285 electric and battery-electric carriages, as part of the DART+ Programme. The first of these carriages, which are currently undergoing safety testing, will be deployed from Dublin to Drogheda from 2027. As more carriages arrive, it is intended to also deploy battery-electric carriages to extend DART services to and from Wicklow from 2029. Iarnród Éireann has also advertised pre-qualification questionnaires for the design and build of the charging infrastructure at Wicklow station to enable the extension of the DART service.