Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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260. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 278 of 18 October 2018, if funding has been allocated under the existing capital plan or other Exchequer funding sources towards the construction of the DART underground project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47359/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Deputy is aware that the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 to 2027 provides an indicative allocation of €2 billion toward the DART Expansion Programme.

The NDP specifically states that the initial sequencing of investment will focus on delivery of non-tunnel elements of the Programme. These elements include -

- electrification of the Northern Line to Drogheda

- electrification of Kildare Line to Hazelhatch

- electrification of Maynooth Line to Maynooth and M3 Parkway

- better utilisation of the Phoenix Park Tunnel

- purchase of additional bi-mode rail fleet

- other measures such as re-signalling and junction/station changes.

Funding allocations in the coming years will be directed toward delivery of these elements and the Deputy will no doubt acknowledge that delivery will significantly improve services for passengers across the commuter rail network in the Greater Dublin Area.

In addition to the above priority elements, the DART Expansion Programme's remaining element is the DART Underground Tunnel and the NDP commits toward establishing its route and ensuring its protection to allow for its future delivery.

Noting the National Transport Authority's statutory responsibilities in relation to the delivery of public transport infrastructure I have directed the question to it for further more detailed reply. Please contact my Office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.