Written answers
Thursday, 1 June 2023
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Rail Network
Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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159. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to increase the capacity for trains to pass through Connolly Station, which is becoming a significant bottleneck in planning the expansion of Dart north and threatens the direct service from Howth to the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27038/23]
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 in the first instance, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal North.
As the Deputy may be aware, the City Centre Resignalling Project (CCRP) has facilitated an increase in rail frequency through Dublin city centre, and on the Belfast, Sligo and Rosslare lines from Connolly Station. The project has removed a bottleneck created by outdated signalling infrastructure, increasing capacity to 20 trains per direction per hour from 12 in 2014, prior to the project commencing. This increased capacity is required to cater for projected population growth and increased passenger travel demand. It is also an essential enabling element for the delivery of the wider DART+ Programme, which will significantly expand the reach and capacity of the existing electrified commuter network.
The Deputy may also wish to note that Iarnród Éireann has commenced the second round of public consultation on the DART+ Coastal North project. The public consultation will remain open until Friday 23rd June. After the public consultation process is complete, all feedback and submissions received will be reviewed and assessed as part of the next stage of the design development.
The public consultation process gives the opportunity to all to put forward their views in relation to the project, including proposed services and stopping patterns. I would encourage all citizens and public representatives to participate in this important process and contribute to the ultimate design of the project.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter raised, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
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