Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the commuter rail services will be augmented, arising from his announcement in respect of the capital programme, over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45632/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​The Capital Plan 2016 - 2022 makes provision for the first phase of a multi-phase DART expansion programme, to include the extension of the DART line to Balbriggan and the design and planning phases of the proposed expansion of DART services to Maynooth in the west and Hazelhatch in the southwest.

  A major DART service expansion is also planned for early 2016.  The service enhancement in response to continuing passenger growth will include DART service at 10-minute frequency on weekdays; earlier start times for DARTS, extra morning peak services from Dundalk/Drogheda and a revised Dublin/Belfast Enterprise schedule.

Also, the re-opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel line, together with ongoing resignalling works between Connolly and Grand Canal Dock will allow commuters on the Kildare rail line to have the option of direct services to the south city area served by Tara, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Rail Stations. The new services on this line will commence in Autumn 2016.