Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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242. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the decision, as per the current DART west scheme, to cease the line at Maynooth; and if he plans to extend the project to Kilcock, County Kildare. [28887/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, 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 the DART+ programme.

DART+ is a transformative programme of investment which will significantly increase capacity on all the rail corridors serving the Greater Dublin Area, including the Maynooth Line as referred to by the Deputy, through investment in infrastructure and new fleet. As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government – Our Shared Futureprioritises delivery of the DART+ programme and preparation of a preliminary business case is well underway. As required by the Public Spending Code, upon completion of the preliminary business case, I will bring it to Government for decision. I very much look forward to seeing the DART+ programme progress in the coming years.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.