Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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295. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that the Dart+ southwest rail line is included for designated funding in the review of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40166/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ Programme.

The DART+ South West project will involve the extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch, including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston, and will increase train capacity from 12 to 23 trains per hour per direction.

A Railway Order for DART+ South West was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024.

The recently concluded Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including elements of the DART+ Programme, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the 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.