Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to make adequate provision for increased numbers of commuters using the rail services in County Kildare, with particular reference to increasing the number and frequency of carriages and services to areas like Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30457/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to make adequate provision for increased numbers of commuters using the rail services in County Kildare, with particular reference to increasing the number and frequency of carriages and services to areas like Hazelhatch, Sallins and Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30458/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue of the provision of additional individual rail services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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192. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it still remains possible to extend the DART beyond Kilcock, County Kildare, to serve an increasingly populous catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30459/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an indicative timeline for the electrification of the Maynooth rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30462/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 195 together.

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 and its constituent projects.

The Deputies may be aware that the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042 includes proposed extensions to the DART network, including to Kilcock, as longer-term interventions. This would be separate to the existing DART+ programme and subject to appraisal and funding considerations.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputies, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.