Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the additional 49 rail carriages ordered in October 2019 to service numerous commuter routes including the northern commuter line will be delivered and in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19587/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, development of the railway network including the purchase of rolling stock.

As the Deputy is aware last year Government approved the purchase of 41 additional InterCity Rail Cars (ICRs) and I understand that the first units are expected to arrive by the end of 2021 with all units expected to be delivered over a 9 to 12 month period.

These additional ICRs will add significant capacity to the overall network and will add approximately 20% additional peak-time capacity on the Northern Line as compared to previously. As well as lengthening existing train sets the new ICRs will also potentially allow for a reconfiguration of services such that up to two new morning peak services could be introduced on the Northern Line.

I look forward to the arrival of these new carriages and the extra capacity they will add to the public transport network.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the requirement for the DART upgrade on the northern commuter line in view of the congestion on the line with the population continuing to grow along this line with Fingal the fastest growing area in the country (details supplied); the timeline for delivery of the upgrade; the details on ring-fencing the funding required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19588/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. 

In that regard I very much welcome the recent confirmation by the European Commission that it has awarded €8.8m toward the Kildare Line study part of the overall DART+ programme. I am particularly pleased that this is the first such grant we have received in a number of years in the sustainable mobility investment programme and reflects the increased level of activity in the area and an increased focus by my Department on availing of such opportunities in the coming years.

The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future prioritises delivery of the DART+ programme and, as required by the Public Spending Code, preparation of a preliminary business case is well underway. In line with the Public Spending Code for all major projects Government approval will be required to allow the programme progress to planning. Indicative allocations are already provided for within the current National Development Plan and will be considered further as part of any review of the National Development Plan.

I look forward to seeing the programme progress during the lifetime of the Government.

In terms of expected timelines for delivery, 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+ Programme.

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