Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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259.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a breakdown of the projected additional rail, DART, Luas and bus fleet required for each year from 2024 to 2030; the number currently ordered for each; what the projected capital requirement will be; a breakdown of the additional fleet procured in each year since 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33005/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, public transport fleet.

The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.

Electric buses produce no emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will result in cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.

In January 2023, the first full electrification of a town bus service was launched in Athlone under our Pathfinder Programme, providing clean and green public transport services for the town, and paving the way for a similar transition in other services across Ireland.

An order for 100 double deck electric buses for Dublin was placed in 2022 with the vehicles arriving in 2023. The majority of these battery-electric double-deck buses are available for service at Summerhill Depot and Phibsborough Depot. Together, the charging infrastructure at Phibsborough and Summerhill will provide charging for a minimum of 136 electric buses. The remaining buses are expected to enter service in the coming weeks. Additional charging infrastructure is being procured to allow for more electric buses to enter service in the coming years.

Additionally, 34 double-deck electric buses are currently entering service in Limerick.

In relation to rail fleet, the delivery of 41 additional intercity railcars was completed in March 2023 and this fleet has recently begun to enter service on a phased basis. These new railcars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network as they are introduced into service this year.

Approval by Government in December 2021 permitted the purchase of 95 DART carriages from Alstom, to start entering into service by 2026. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which will see an additional 90 new battery-electric multiple units enter service from around 2026.

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