Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
181. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the money available for the Dart+ south west project to start procurement after the project receives planning permission. [21453/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ South West project.
The DART+ programme comprises of five related projects for the development of rail in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and eastern region, covering DART+ Fleet, DART+ West, DART+ South West, DART+ Coastal South and DART+ Coastal North projects.
A Railway Order application for DART+ South West was lodged to An Bord Pleanála in March 2023. Subject to the project receiving planning approval, and there being no successful legal challenge to this decision, procurement documents will be prepared for the project, which will require Ministerial approval at Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. Following the procurement process, the project will be submitted for Government Consent at Approval Gate 3 under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
They Deputy may also be aware that funding for the DART+ programme as a whole is provided for under the Government's National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP). A final decision on the funding of the DART+ South West project will be made at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have also referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
