Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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140.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on MetroLink as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25171/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, an Oral Hearing in relation to the planning application for MetroLink commenced on February 19th and concluded on March 28th. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.

The Preliminary Business Case included a range of potential capital costs from €7.16bn to €12.25bn in 2021 prices, excluding VAT. An updated and more definite cost estimate for MetroLink will be known after the planning and procurement stages, and will be brought to Government for consideration at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

The final budget for MetroLink will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. Officials in my Department engage with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on an ongoing basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including MetroLink.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including MetroLink.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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141.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on DART+ as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25172/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ programme.

The DART+ programme will modernise and improve existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area, by electrifying the lines and purchasing new rolling stock among other work. The expansion will create a connected and electrified rail network for the Greater Dublin Area, increasing the network from circa 50km to 150km and doubling city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.

The DART+ programme comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area and eastern region, including:

DART+ Fleet: a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric fleet;

DART+ West: extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth;

DART+ South West: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge;

DART+ Coastal North: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Drogheda;

DART+ Coastal South: improvement of current DART services from Dublin city centre to Greystones.

In December 2021 the Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ Programme and a fleet framework agreement between Irish Rail and Alstom. This framework allows for the purchase of up to 750 electric/battery-electric train carriages for the Irish Rail system over a 10-year period. This approval permitted the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which are expected to enter service in 2026. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement, which will see 90 new battery-electric multiple units arrive in 2026.

Following the submission of a Railway Order application in July 2022, an Oral Hearing for DART+ West was held in September/October 2023. A Railway Order for DART+ South West was lodged in March 2023. The DART+ Coastal North was submitted to Government in May 2024 and received consent for approval. A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North is expected to be lodged by July.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues 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.