James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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59. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the DART underground; the timeline to its completion; the estimated benefits that it would bring to the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32452/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware DART+ is a multi-billion euro programme to upgrade rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and will effectively double the capacity of the network compared to today. The programme will significantly expand the electrified heavy rail commuter rail network in the GDA through expanded fleet and improved infrastructure.

Planning and design has continued on the development of DART+, the largest ever investment in our rail infrastructure and services, and I will bring a memorandum to Government in the coming months seeking approval for that programme to move forward to the next Decision Gate under the Public Spending Code, which will be a hugely significant step forward.

I very much look forward to seeing the DART+ programme progress in the coming years.

In relation to the proposed DART Underground, the issue is being considered as part of the review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Arealed by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns across the Greater Dublin Area and will be subject to a full public consultation, including the publication of all background reports and feasibility studies. That NTA-led public consultation will take place later this year and I would encourage public representatives and interested citizens to participate.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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60. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed extension of the LUAS line to Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31711/21]

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, including the provision of light rail.

As the Deputy may be aware, the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, published in 2016, proposes a Luas line for the Lucan Area and the National Development Plan published in 2018 provides funding for the appraisal, planning and design of LUAS network expansion to Lucan.

Given their responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded your query to the NTA for a direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.