John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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460. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for when the DART will run to Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42096/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

The NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, adopted in 2023, included a recommendation to extend the DART service to Wicklow town. I understand this extension can be facilitated through utilising the new battery-electric DART carriages which are currently arriving in Ireland and undergoing testing.

The new battery-electric DART carriages will first be deployed from Dublin to Drogheda from next year. As more carriages arrive, it may be feasible to also deploy them to extend DART services to and from Wicklow, subject to funding and approvals for the required charging infrastructure. The NTA is currently examining this issue with a view to progressing the extension around 2029.

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

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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461. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that prevents additional DARTs travelling from Greystones, and if works will be carried out to increase the frequency of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42097/25]

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised by the Deputy is a 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.