Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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410. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a detailed breakdown of the factors contributing to the €41 million cost overrun in the national train control centre project; and the steps being taken to prevent similar overruns in future transport infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47072/25]

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, including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the National Train Control Centre (NTCC).

Transport infrastructure projects are delivered by Sponsoring Agencies with that delivery overseen by Approving Authorities. For the NTCC the Sponsoring Agency is Iarnród Éireann and the Approving Authority is the NTA which provides independent challenge to Iarnród Éireann in its delivery of the project on the ground. The specific roles and responsibilities of both the Sponsoring Agency and the Approving Authority are set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines.

In addition, my Department meets monthly with the NTA to review progress on all major public transport projects, including the NTCC, and is assisted in that regard through advice provided by NewERA, external experts with professional experience in infrastructure delivery and JASPERS an EU/EIB agency that provides Member States with advice on infrastructure preparation and delivery.

I share the Deputy’s frustration with the issues being experienced on the project. Indeed I recently met with the contractor and emphasised the need to ensure that the project is completed in as timely and cost-effective manner as possible.

Noting the NTA's specific responsibility in this matter, 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.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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411. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the oversight mechanisms that were in place during the planning and construction phases of the national train control centre; and whether any independent review of project governance has been commissioned following the budget overrun; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47073/25]

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, including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the National Train Control Centre (NTCC).

Transport infrastructure projects are delivered by Sponsoring Agencies with that delivery overseen by Approving Authorities. For the NTCC the Sponsoring Agency is Iarnród Éireann and the Approving Authority is the National Transport Authority which provides independent challenge to Iarnród Éireann in its delivery of the project on the ground. The specific roles and responsibilities of both the Sponsoring Agency and the Approving Authority are set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines.

In addition, my Department meets monthly with the NTA to review progress on all major public transport projects, including the NTCC, and is assisted in that regard through advice provided by NewERA, external experts with professional experience in infrastructure delivery and JASPERS an EU/EIB agency that provides Member States with advice on infrastructure preparation and delivery.

I share the Deputy’s frustration with the delays being experienced on the project. Indeed I recently met with the contractor and emphasised the need to ensure the project is completed in as timely and cost-effective manner as possible.

Noting the NTA's specific responsibility in this matter, 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.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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412. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the revised timeline for completion and operationalisation of the national train control centre; and the contingency plans that are in place to mitigate the impact of the delay on rail services and commuter planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47074/25]

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, including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the National Train Control Centre.

I recently met with the contractor on the National Train Control Centre project and emphasised the need to ensure that it is completed in as timely and cost-effective manner as possible. I am also keen that the project is developed in a way that enables effective rail service operation and planning.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues 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.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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413. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the implications of the delay in the national train control centre for the rollout of DART+ and other commuter rail expansions; and whether interim solutions are being considered to support service improvements. [47075/25]

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), including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the National Train Control Centre.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues 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.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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414. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide details of how the national train control centre aligns with Ireland's climate and transport strategy goals, including modal shift targets and rail electrification plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47076/25]

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, including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the development of the National Train Control Centre (NTCC).

The development of the NTCC was approved by Government in July 2019. The NTCC is currently being operationalised following the commissioning of the building in November 2022. The primary role of the NTCC is to deliver a modern, safe, efficient train control system that can effectively meet the current railway network needs and the significant growth in services which are planned for the decades ahead.

The NTCC's central Traffic Management System (TMS) will act as “the brain of the railway network” and integrates the range of other systems involved in operating a railway such as signalling and equipment communications.

The NTCC will play an important role in supporting the efficient roll out of projects such as the DART+ Programme and Cork Area Commuter Rail, and in catering for enhanced levels of rail traffic envisioned under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. All of these areas will contribute to climate and transport strategy goals.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues 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.