Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a stop is not being considered in Kilcock, County Kildare under the proposed DART+ Programme; the alternatives that will be explored for DART access for residents, if no stop is put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6993/26]

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 network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre 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.

DART+ West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements.

Conditional Planning approval for DART+ West was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála for DART+ West in July 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.

Funding secured under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by my Department in November 2025, will see construction start before 2030 on the DART+ programme, beginning with DART+ West, which is the crucial enabler of the rest of the programme.

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.