Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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1417. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the DART interconnector and the DART underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36588/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The DART Underground Tunnel (previously known as the DART Interconnector) project is a key element of integrated transport for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA and the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 proposes implementation of the overall DART Expansion Programme, including construction of the DART Underground Tunnel. The Government decided in September 2015 that the original proposal for the tunnel should be redesigned to provide a lower cost solution.

The NTA has commenced work on the redesign of the tunnel in collaboration with Irish Rail and will progress this redesign work in line with available funding. Work has commenced to determine the optimal connection location for the tunnel to tie-in to the Heuston Mainline. Other work is also on-going in relation to tunnel variants.

Funding has been provided under the Government's current Capital Plan for work on the redesign of the tunnel and other elements of the DART Expansion Programme including for the extension of the DART to Balbriggan.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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1418. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in line with the vision for the long-term electrification of rail services and Government policy on reducing urban air pollution, all procurement of new diesel powered rail rolling stock will be hybrid, that is, capable of electric operation in circumstances in which the rail is electrified. [36671/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Rail plays an important role in meeting increased passenger demand and also providing an energy-efficient mode of transport. Electrified rail use, in particular, is capable of achieving low emissions through utilising renewable sources of energy. Considerable progress has been achieved in increasing capacity on the light and heavy rail networks. For instance, the Luas Cross City project is scheduled for completion before the end of the year and it is estimated that the new line will add an extra 8 to 10 million journeys per annum on the Luas network. Also, in 2017 we will see an increase in Dart frequency and additional commuter services through the newly-opened Phoenix Park Tunnel.

Rail operators are also playing an active role in emission reductions on existing services, introducing a range of technical measures including automatic engine shutdown, configuring train length to match passenger demand and installing traction control software.

Furthermore, I am committed to the further development of electric fuelled public transport, particularly along high demand routes in the GDA where capacity requirements make such investment cost-effective. We are progressing plans on the New Metro North project which is due to commence construction in 2021; while €82 million has been allocated to the DART Expansion Programme between 2019 and 2022 to begin the extension of the DART line to Balbriggan, and the design and planning of DART services to Maynooth in the west and Hazelhatch in the southwest.

Iarnród Éireann operates the heavy rail network and is responsible for assessing rolling stock requirements for the heavy rail network in conjunction with the NTA.

Noting the responsibilities of the agencies in this regard, I have referred the Deputy's question to both NTA and Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my office if a reply has not been received within 10 working days.