Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the greater Dublin area.

I am advised by the NTA of a range of works currently under way at Portmarnock which seem to address the issues raised by the Deputy. I understand these works will be completed by January 2024 and will provide, among other things, a new bus turning point with two bus stops; additional bike parking, increasing the current 40 uncovered bike parking spaces to 60 covered bike parking spaces; improved pedestrian and cycling access; a new set-down area at the station entrance; and upgrades to other existing infrastructure, including drainage, lighting, CCTV and landscaping. These improvements to the station complement the investment made last year through the provision of two new lifts at the station.

In the medium term, I am informed that Iarnród Éireann is planning further improvements to the car park itself, including the potential provision of EV charging points. These improvements will require planning permission and I understand a planning application will be made next year. I hope these improvements will collectively improve the passenger experience at the station. Last year’s rail census showed a strong bounce-back in passenger numbers using the station, even if they are not yet back at the levels of 2019.

More broadly, the area will benefit in the future from improvements to be introduced under BusConnects with a new L81 service, which will be a new service between Sutton and Dublin Airport, calling at Portmarnock station. The works under way at the station will facilitate the introduction of this new service, while Portmarnock will also benefit from DART+ in the coming years using the battery-electric trains to which I referred in response to earlier questions.

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