Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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36. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline those regions, residential areas, communities, towns and villages most likely to benefit from an improved and enhanced rail service, arising from provisions to be made in the context of the capital programme which he announced recently; when he expects tenders to be invited and work to commence on these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39195/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​Rail services provide essential connectivity for all regions, communities and towns located within the catchment area of the various intercity and suburban routes operated by Irish Rail. Exchequer funding is provided by my Department for the maintenance and renewal of the rail network on a nationwide basis under a multi-annual contract with Irish Rail. Capital funding under this contract amounted to approx. €126m in 2015 and funding for this purpose will be broadly similar in the early years of the new Capital Plan  (2016-2021).  In addition to ongoing maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rail network a number of enhancements to the rail network are also proposed under the new Capital Plan. 

The first phase of a multi-phase DART expansion programme will begin, with the extension of the DART line to Balbriggan and with design and planning to progress for expansion of DART services to Maynooth in the west and Hazelhatch in the southwest. The Dart Underground Project, which remains a key element of integrated transport for the GDA over the longer term, will be redesigned to provide a lower cost technical solution, whilst retaining the required rail connectivity.

The Capital Plan will also see the completion of the Dublin City Centre Resignalling programme, the reopening of the Phoenix Park tunnel and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control centre for commuter and intercity rail.

The detailed planning design and procurement of these projects is a matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and is subject to business case approval and availability of funding.