Joanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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16. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on any possible movement to provide a new railway station on the north side of Drogheda, considering the huge population growth on Drogheda's north side along the PANCR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22503/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As the Deputy may be aware, there have been significant improvements to the rail service for Drogheda recently, and I am pleased to say that more is to come.

Last year, the intercity Enterprise train service, which serves Drogheda between Dublin and Belfast, was increased from roughly every two hours in each direction to hourly, providing for a frequent and fast connection to the cities.

In terms of ongoing developments, new train carriages ordered by Iarnród Éireann as part of the DART+ Programme have started arriving into Ireland and are undergoing testing. The new battery-electric DART trains will start entering service between Dublin and Drogheda next year, replacing the diesel trains and providing Drogheda passengers with a modern DART service for the first time.

Looking further ahead, the DART+ Coastal North project led by Iarnród Éireann will extend overhead electric wires from Malahide to Drogheda, along with other infrastructure improvements. This will increase rail capacity between Drogheda and Dublin from circa 4,800 to 8,800 passengers per direction per hour, thereby serving the growing population along the route.

A Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was lodged with An Bord Pleanála in July 2024 and, following this submission, a statutory public consultation period closed in October 2024. The project is awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála.

I am unaware of plans for a new station on the north side of Drogheda, though this can be kept under review as the population changes. An additional station would require funding and have to secure relevant approvals required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. Iarnród Éireann will engage with any parties proposing a new station and my Department will continue to keep me informed of this issue.

More generally, I look forward to the continued improvement of the rail service for Drogheda, including through the introduction of new battery-electric DART services next year.