John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an outline on plans to upgrade the Dublin to Rosslare line, along with details of plans for the electrification of the line to Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28574/24]

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 Wicklow Capacity Enhancement Study.

The potential extension of DART services southwards to Wicklow is included as an objective in the new Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, which was adopted last year. Initial planning/design work is currently ongoing to establish the feasibility of operating an hourly DART service to/from Wicklow town using battery electric train sets that could operate along the un-electrified section between Greystones and Wicklow.

Modelling undertaken by the NTA for the DART+ Programme related to facilitating increased services on the Rosslare line, and to achieve maximum capacity in the Greater Dublin Area, includes an option that would see Rosslare services interchanging at Wicklow or Greystones to connect seamlessly to DART services into the heart of Dublin.

This was an infrastructural modelling exercise, and the NTA have advised that no decision has been made to alter services on the Rosslare line.

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.