Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the train stations in County Kildare, if they have a shelter; if they have an enclosed waiting room; if they have a lift or disability access; if they have toilet facilities; if these facilities are open for use; the number of working parking spaces available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45586/24]

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, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, facilities in train stations in County Kildare.

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.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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25. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the Curragh train station on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45587/24]

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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the reopening of any train stations.

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.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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27. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made in relation to DART+; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45597/24]

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, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.

The Preliminary Business Case for the whole DART+ programme was approved by Cabinet at Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code in December 2021. The Decision also permitted the purchase of additional DART fleet. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromises 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started to arrive for testing prior to entry into service in 2026. The battery-electric carriages are planned to enter service on the northern line to Drogheda. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which will see 90 new battery-electric carriages arrive around 2026.

A Railway Order application for DART+ West, which provides for an extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022. A Railway Order was granted by An Bord Pleanála in July 2024 subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. Iarnród Éireann are currently exploring other options for the construction of a depot in collaboration with the NTA to progress the project into the procurement process. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also considering responses to legal challenges to the projects planning decision.

A Railway Order application for DART+ South-West was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in March 2023. This commenced the formal planning process for the Kildare line.

A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was lodged in July 2024. The project will significantly increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the Northern route between Dublin city and Malahide, Howth and Drogheda, with the section between Malahide and Drogheda (as part of the service between Dublin city and Drogheda) increasing in capacity from circa 4,800 to 8,800 passengers at peak hour/direction upon project completion.

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.