Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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254.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update and projected timeline for the DART+ Coastal North project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33197/24]

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+ Programmeand its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal North.

This project aims to extend the overhead electric wires on the DART system by circa 37km, from Malahide to Drogheda. It will allow for high-frequency and fully electrified DART trains to operate between Dublin city and Drogheda, upgrading the rail service to growing communities along the route.

The DART+ Coastal North was submitted to Government in May 2024 and received consent for approval under Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was lodged in July 2024.

Subject to DART+ Coastal North receiving planning approval, and there being no successful legal challenge to this decision, the project will then advance through the subsequent Approval Gates as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.

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