Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, there are two major relevant rail carriage capacity enhancement projects underway.

In 2019, Government approval allowed the National Transport Authority (NTA), in consultation with Iarnród Éireann (IÉ), to proceed with the purchase of 41 additional InterCity Railcars to increase capacity across the rail network. The 41 carriages have now arrived and will begin entering service this year. As they are intermediate carriages, they will facilitate the lengthening of existing trains.

Secondly, the DART+ programme comprises the DART+ fleet project. In December 2021, following Government approval, a major framework contract was awarded to Alstom for the manufacture and delivery of up to 750 new rail carriages over 10 years. At this time, as part of the new framework, the first order of new DART carriages was made, comprising 65 battery-electric and 30 electric train carriages. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of rail fleet under the framework, which will see 90 additional battery-electric trains arrive in the coming years.

The first of the new trains are due to arrive later this year, for testing and commissioning before deployment. The 30 electric carriages will be used, at least initially, to augment existing DART train services along the coast. The first batch of 65 battery-electric train carriages are expected to enter service on the Dublin to Drogheda line, in late 2025. To enable the roll-out of these DART trains to Drogheda, new battery-electric charging infrastructure is being developed at Drogheda station. This will allow the DART trains to operate on battery power between Malahide and Drogheda, in advance of the extension of overhead electric wires in future.

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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including light rail.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland, as the asset owners of LUAS infrastructure and rolling stock, undertook a preliminary market consultation last year in relation to the replacement of the current Luas carriages and provision of additional carriages on an expanded service and network. This is primarily a consultation process, to engage with the marketplace for research purposes, which will assist in the development of future tender documents. Transport Infrastructure Ireland's estimate for future LUAS carriage requirements was €300m. The Deputy may be aware that capital expenditure in excess of €200 million requires Cabinet approval under the Infrastructure Guidelines.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of light rail, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.