Written answers

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

Photo of Joe O'BrienJoe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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1060. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans for electrification of the northern rail commuter line to Balbriggan; and if a related tendering or design process has been initiated. [3252/20]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including implementation of the DART Expansion Programme which includes consideration of the issues raised by the Deputy.

As the Deputy may be aware, in May 2019 the NTA and Iarnród Éireann commenced pre-qualifying in relation to a 10-year procurement framework for a minimum of 300 electric and battery-electric units with the potential for that to increase to 600 over the life of the procurement framework. This proposal forms part of the DART Expansion Programme which will see electrification of the Kildare Line, Maynooth Line and Northern Line and a business case in relation to the overall programme will be submitted for Government approval later this year.

Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matters raised, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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