Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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112. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the communication and public engagement measures that have been undertaken by Iarnród Éireann in the Donaghmede area in relation to the DART+ Coastal North project, particularly around a station (details supplied), in view of reports from an organisation and local residents that no direct updates or correspondence have been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63445/25]

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+ programme, which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA, will triple the length of the electrified rail network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre rail capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high-capacity public transport across the GDA.

As part of the DART+ Programme, DART+ Costal North provides for the extension of overhead wires from Malahide to Drogheda, among other works.

Non-statutory consultations on DART+ Costal North were held in Quarter 1 2022 and Quarter 2 2023. Planning approval for DART+ Costal North was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.

The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027.

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.