Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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175. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on plans to electrify the rail line between Kildare town and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42571/24]

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+ South West project will provide an electrified and more frequent rail service to passengers between Hazelhatch and Dublin city centre. Following Government approval, a Railway Order application for the project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in March 2023. A planning decision from An Bord Pleanála is currently awaited.

The NTA Greater Dublin Area (GDA) Transport Strategy 2022-2042 recommends the further extension of the electrified DART network to Sallins and Naas in the longer term.

The All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024. The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations involve the electrification of the intercity rail network, including at Kildare.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to the GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 and the DART Programme, 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.