Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

240. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that as part of the DART+ West project there are some stations along the proposed Maynooth line which will not have an elevator facility, which has caused concerns amongst disability advocacy groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52720/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 (IÉ), the DART+ Programme and the Accessibility Retrofit Programme.

The Dart+ West project will involve the extension of DART services from the City Centre to the M3 Parkway and Maynooth, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements. A Railway Order was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála in July 2024 subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot near Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. IÉ and the NTA are currently engaging on the submission of a new Railway Order for a depot.

Procurement for DART+ West and South West is progressing, with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.

In relation to the Deputy's query on elevators and accessibility of stations on the DART+ West line, accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects, including new stations, from the design stage. However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities. To address these issues, the Department of Transport funds the Accessibility Retrofit Programme, managed by the NTA. Under the programme, the NTA oversees accessibility projects for rail stations to improve access and provide lifts to allow access to transport platforms.

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.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

241. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the frequency and causes of service cancellations and power outages on Irish Rail and Luas services in the past 12 months; the financial and operational measures being introduced to improve reliability; and whether his Department sets performance targets for these operators. [52762/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 in relation to service cancellations and power outages by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail and Transdev. The issue raised in relation to financial and operational measures and performance targets is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.

The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.

Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail, Transdev, and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days