Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on talks with Irish Rail regarding a matter (details supplied). [2969/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area.

A meeting has taken place between Fingal County Council, Iarnród Éireann, the NTA, and the private developer, to facilitate a discussion on the opportunities to improve general accessibility, including improved access to the railway station from the east and improved access over the railway line.

As agreed by these parties, the NTA has engaged with a consultant to prepare a Feasibility and Options Selection Report to examine options for access solutions that provide safe, reliable and robust access to Clongriffin train station, pedestrian access to bus services and improved connectivity between the growing residential areas of Clongriffin on the western side and Baldoyle on the eastern side. This will incorporate the principles of universal access.

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

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. The programme comprises a number of separate but interrelated projects. Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan (NRRP), as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1 should be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.

Work is already underway on Phase 1. The construction contract for the construction of a through-platform at Kent Station was awarded in early 2023 and enabling works have begun on site with construction expected to be completed later this year.

An Bord Pleanála granted a Railway Order Córas Iompair Éireann for double-tracking between Glounthaune to Midleton in October 2023. Procurement preparations have started and a contract award is expected later this year, prior to construction commencing.

In addition to the Kent Station and double-tracking works above, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to Alstom for a major signalling upgrade project on the Cork commuter rail network in June 2023. This signalling upgrade is required to increase the number of trains which can operate between Cork and Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.

These works will enable the future electrification of Cork Area Commuter Rail, subject to funding and approval.

The first order of 95 new train carriages (65 battery-electric and 30 electric) as part of the DART+ Programme are expected to arrive later this year prior to entering service between Dublin City Centre and Drogheda in the second half of 2025. An additional order for 90 battery-electric train carriages was placed in 2021. The precise use of these carriages is to be decided upon, taking account of the cost, available funding and the broader DART+ strategy.

Officials in my Department will continue to engage with the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann in relation to the future deployment of new rail fleet.