Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Will the witnesses provide an update on the status of the 2019 order for 41 rail carriages, which were designed to increase capacity by up to 10% on the northern commuter line? In addition, we are in public consultation on the plans there. There is massive population growth along the northern commuter line in my and Deputy Farrell's constituency and right up to Louth. Huge political pressure is being applied regarding the rail line between Howth Junction and Howth, which could become a shuttle service in order to allow the northern commuter line meet demand that is there and will grow in years to come. Given the massive population growth along the coast up the northern line, is it clear we will need a shuttle service of some kind on the spur out to Howth? If we do not and we continue a full schedule out to Howth - and this is the key bit - will that impact the ability of the northern commuter line to meet demand in the coming years?