Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
29. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he will introduce to address the problem of overcrowding on the Maynooth to Connolly rail line at peak times for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7504/18]
View answer74. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an assessment of the need for increased capacity on a number of rail services to Dublin from the County Kildare commuter belt will be carried out, specifically on the Kildare line via Hazelhatch, the Maynooth line and the Kilcock line in view of the fact that services are at full capacity and unable to match the needs of an increasing volume of persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7629/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 74 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 proposes implementation of the DART Expansion Programme. The overall DART Expansion Programme has a key role to play in delivering an efficient transport system. When fully implemented the enhancements to the heavy rail system provided for in the NTA's Transport Strategy will create a full metropolitan area DART network for Dublin with all of the lines linked and connected. This integrated rail network will provide the core high capacity transit system for the region and will deliver a very substantial increase in peak-hour capacity on all lines from Drogheda, Maynooth, Greystones and Hazelhatch on the Kildare line.
The NTA, in conjunction with Irish Rail, continues to examine short, medium and longer term options for meeting increased commuter services demand. This includes the refurbishment of existing rolling stock that can be put into service in the second half of 2019 to provide additional capacity on commuter and intercity services.
The upgrade to the Phoenix Park Tunnel in 2016 at a cost of €13.5 million has seen commuters on the Kildare to Dublin Heuston line benefit from having the option of direct trains to Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations. Further benefits to commuters will be provided by way of additional off-peak and weekend services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the area, I have forwarded the Deputies questions to the Authority for further information on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
