Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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53. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount provided by his Department to date to the NTA to fund the DART+ extension to Kilcock, given the current and projected growth of the town and its proximity to the proposed DART+ West project. [17985/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 (GDA), including through engagement with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ West project between Dublin city and Maynooth/M3 Parkway. Capital funding is being provided to the NTA for this purpose.

There has recently been progress in relation to the DART+ West project. 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 and the NTA are currently engaging on the submission of a new Railway Order for a depot. Work is progressing with a view to moving this project into procurement and thereafter into the construction stage in the coming years.

The NTA's GDA Transport Strategy, which was approved by the Minister for Transport in January 2023, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042, and it provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for Counties Meath, Dublin, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow. It is intended under the GDA Transport Strategy to further extend some DART services (from Maynooth) to commence and terminate at Kilcock.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a specific response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.