Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions his Department is undertaking to address capacity issues on intercity and regional rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23025/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for their question, and like him, I am eager to see improved rail services rolled out across the network. We know that when people are provided with higher frequencies and reliable timetables then people will make the switch to public transport, and with higher frequency comes improved capacity issues.

The Government is backing up their commitment to improving public transport with significant infrastructure investments across the network. This includes the Government’s commitment to funding for initiatives such as the DART+ Programme, new DART+ Fleet, the proposed replacement of the current Enterprise fleet, and the introduction of the 41 InterCity Railcars.

Iarnród Éireann services have seen rapid growth in demand post-COVID, with record investment also taking place to expand and enhance our services to meet current and future sustainable transport needs. Capacity and service delivery have to be considered in every decision.In terms of service delivery, Iarnród Éireann utilise all of their operational fleet at peak times, with record demand experienced in 2024. They have recently deployed 41 additional Intercity railcar carriages, which have boosted capacity on a number of Intercity services, including Sligo, Galway, Westport, and Belfast services.Iarnród Éireann’s investment in the DART+ fleet will see 185 electric and battery-electric carriages added to the fleet in the coming years, with further orders planned. The first of these carriages have started to arrive, entering service from 2026 after testing, commissioning and regulatory approval. While these vehicles will be utilised in the Greater Dublin Area, this will see a cascading of available Intercity and Commuter fleet to our regional routes. It is intended that we would utilise this additional fleet to enhance routes in these areas. Options for deployment of these carriages are currently under consideration between the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann.

Iarnród Éireann's investment in the DART+ Programme will also benefit Intercity and regional service frequency, and the All-Island Strategic Rail Review also includes prioritisation of double-tracking key sections of the network to allow more frequent services to operate in the future. This will further increase capacity for passengers across the network.

The Department will continue to work with the NTA and Iarnród Éireann in relation to this matter.