Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

55. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the electrification on the greater Dublin area’s rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22874/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 DART+ programme will double the capacity and triple the electrification of the existing DART network. The DART+ programme comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area.

Two fleet orders have been placed under the DART+ Fleet project. These comprise 185 carriages, largely battery-electric, with some electric units. Battery-electric carriages from the first order of 95 carriages have started arriving into Ireland, are now undergoing testing, and are expected to be deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from next year.

The DART+ West project plans to extend DART services from the City Centre to the M3 Parkway and Maynooth. A Railway Order (planning application) was granted approval 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 and the NTA are currently engaging on the submission of a new Railway Order for a depot. Two Judicial Review applications to the Railway Order approval have been lodged. These issues are currently being examined.

A Railway Order was granted for the DART+ South West project by An Bord Pleanála in November 2024. This project will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch, including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. Work is ongoing to progress the preparation of procurement documents, with a view to moving this project into procurement and thereafter into the construction stage in the coming years.

A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North, which will extend DART overhead electrified wires to Drogheda, was lodged in July 2024 which commenced the formal planning process. The Statutory Consultation period closed in October 2024. The project is currently awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála.

The DART+ Coastal South project will improve DART services on the existing DART line south of Dublin city, with the current focus on enhancing services between Bray and Greystones.

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 detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.