Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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203. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to electrify the Connolly to Maynooth rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48495/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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In line with the Government’s budgetary framework set out in Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021 published in September 2015, the Government's recently announced Budget 2018 provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021. 

This includes funding in the region of €230 million for mainline rail and DART capacity enhancement.  This will enable commencement of the initial stages of the DART Expansion programme, focussing on additional fleet and extending the electrified DART system. It will allow further progress to be made on the electrification of both the Northern rail line to Balbriggan and the Maynooth line.  

In light of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for further information on the issue raised.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.