Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
19. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the funding allocation provided to date for the development of the DART+ depot in Drogheda; if this funding allocation has been amended in 2026; and the impact of any funding changes on functionality improvements for DART+ Coastal North. [69025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
With regard to the Deputy's specific questions regarding DART+ Coastal North, this is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, the DART+ Coastal North project remains a major priority for myself and my Department. It is planned that, beginning next year, battery-electric multiple unit carriages will enter service on the Northern Line serving Drogheda.
In addition, in June it was announced that €93 million was being provided via the Shared Island initiative to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure as part of DART+ Coastal North, in particular a new turnback facility at Malahide Station and a new track loop at Clongriffin. These interventions will help alleviate congestion on the busy Northern line, by allowing cross-border Enterprise trains to seamlessly pass DART and commuter trains at both stations.
