Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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284. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to address the platform limitations in Connolly Station and expand the station to include more platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25396/25]

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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, any proposed works at Connolly Station.

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

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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285. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that DART Underground has been delayed to 2042; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25397/25]

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, including through engagement with Iarnród Éireann, DART infrastructure.

As the Deputy may be aware, the issue of the DART Underground, also known as DART+ Tunnel, was re-examined in 2022 as part of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The Strategy is a multi-modal, twenty year transport strategy for the region and one that must be reflected in relevant land-use strategies across the GDA.

The analysis in the revised Strategy suggests the cumulative benefits associated with the DART+ Programme, together with other interventions planned in public transport, mean that it is unlikely that the DART+ Tunnel will be required until post-2042.

The priority for rail capacity for the Greater Dublin Area is the DART+ Programme which will double rail capacity across the GDA network.

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.

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.

In the meantime, the Strategy proposes to preserve an alignment for the DART+ Tunnel to allow its future delivery subsequent to the Strategy period.

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

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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286. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the primary reason for disruptions on Irish Rail services; if he will provide a service-by-service breakdown of disruptions, detailing how frequent there are disruptions on each Irish Rail service and what the primary reason is on each service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25398/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Irish Rail for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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287. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for a breakdown of the age profile of trains and carriages across the entire Irish Rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25399/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days