Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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60. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the context of the electrification and extension of the DART to Maynooth and beyond, the full extent of these proposals at present with particular reference to the extension of the service to Kilcock and beyond thereby providing service to a much wider catchment area without excessive expenditure and greatly facilitating rail transport effectiveness and efficiency as the demand grows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28586/24]

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, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.

As part of the DART+ Programme, the DART+ West project will provide an electrified and more frequent rail service to passengers between Maynooth, M3 Parkway, and Dublin city centre. A Railway Order application for the project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022 and an oral hearing held in the second half of 2023. A planning decision from An Bord Pleanála is currently awaited.

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.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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61. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will seek changes to be made to the route licensing of coaches that operate in the day-tour sector, as managed by the National Transport Authority, in order that a more strategic approach to tourism is taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28275/24]

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. Further, the NTA is responsible for the licensing of public and commercial operators and I have no role in these matters.

As the NTA is also the licensing authority for the commercial bus sector, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.