Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this very important matter, which is not unfamiliar as the Deputies will be aware. The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the greater Dublin area, including Kildare. The NTA’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the greater Dublin area over the next two decades.

At a national level, this year also saw the publication of the national development plan as part of Government’s Project Ireland 2040. The NDP provides a national level framework for the delivery of transport infrastructure over the next ten years. Both the NTA’s statutory transport strategy and the NDP provide for the DART expansion programme as one of the key investment priorities in the coming years. Importantly the NDP also commits Exchequer funding to the project and an indicative allocation of €2 billion is provided in the NDP. That is a significant investment by the taxpayer in our transport network.

The proposed enhancements to the heavy rail system will create an integrated rail network which will deliver a very substantial increase in peak-hour capacity on all commuter lines in the greater Dublin area, including the Kildare line.

The electrification of the line to Hazelhatch-Celbridge and remaining infrastructure needed to complete the link of the Kildare commuter route to the city centre will be delivered as part of the DART expansion programme. In the meantime, the upgrade to the Phoenix Park tunnel in 2016 has seen commuters on the Kildare line have the option of direct trains to Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations. It is proposed to further improve Kildare line services through additional off-peak and weekend services through the tunnel next year.

In addition, the NTA and Irish Rail continue to examine short-term, medium-term and long-term options for meeting increased commuter services demand. With regard to the adequacy of existing rail services, the existing rail fleet is fully deployed at peak times. However, the NTA, in conjunction with Irish Rail, is examining options for additional train capacity.

One option under current consideration is the lease or purchase of second-hand rolling stock and the NTA and Irish Rail will determine the viability of such an approach later this year. In the longer term, and as part of the DART expansion, a comprehensive fleet purchase programme will take place adding significantly to the rail fleet. The formal procurement notice seeking interested train manufacturers is expected to issue before year-end and a formal contract for the new fleet is expected to be signed next year.

I am confident that the improvements planned in the short, medium and long terms will enhance services along this important commuter line.

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