Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

301. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has identified a depot to support the DART+ programme; and if he will provide an update on the sites being considered. [1980/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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+ West.

A Railway Order application for DART+ West was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022, following which an Oral Hearing took place in September/October 2023. A Railway Order was granted by An Bord Pleanála in July 2024 for DART+ West 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 and enter into construction stage. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also considering responses to legal issues with respect to the project's planning decision.

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.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

302. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a report on the provision of electric powered trains and infrastructure for Irish Rail in Cork. [2018/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme will provide a more efficient and decarbonised transport service for the area to help facilitate population and economic growth over the coming decades.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will be delivered on a phased basis. Phase 1 of the Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. Phase 1 works are ongoing and are scheduled to be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.

In May 2024, Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan, appointing them as multi-disciplinary consultants for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme, which includes the potential electrification of the network and a new fleet maintenance depot to cater for a new electrified fleet. Subject to securing funding and achieving the relevant approvals, Phase 2 of the Programme will progress after Phase 1 works have been completed.

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