Public Transport – Thursday, 4 Jul 2024 – Parliamentary Questions (33rd Dáil)

Thursday, 4 July 2024

Questions (60)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport in the context of the electrification and extension of the DART to Maynooth and beyond, the full extent of these proposals at present with particular reference to the extension of the service to Kilcock and beyond thereby providing service to a much wider catchment area without excessive expenditure and greatly facilitating rail transport effectiveness and efficiency as the demand grows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28586/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.

As part of the DART+ Programme, the DART+ West project will provide an electrified and more frequent rail service to passengers between Maynooth, M3 Parkway, and Dublin city centre. A Railway Order application for the project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022 and an oral hearing held in the second half of 2023. A planning decision from An Bord Pleanála is currently awaited.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.