Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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211. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide the details on the expected commencement date for the DART expansion to Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1026/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, 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, which includes DART+ Coastal North.

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 DART Fleet. This first order of DART+ Fleet comprised an initial purchase of 95 DART carriages - 65 battery-electric and 30 electric. 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 2026/27.

The first of the new carriages have started arriving, for testing and commissioning before deployment. The first batch of 65 battery-electric train carriages are expected to enter service on the Dublin to Drogheda line, in early 2026. To enable the roll-out of these DART trains to Drogheda, new battery-electric charging infrastructure is being developed at Drogheda station. This will allow the DART trains to operate on battery power between Malahide and Drogheda, in advance of the extension of overhead electric wires in future, under DART+ Coastal North.

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 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.