Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2019
415. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the need to increase capacity on rail lines to County Kildare; if he will consider an expansion of the lines to four lines from Hazelhatch to south County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53880/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, 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. This includes, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, both implementation of the DART Expansion Programme, which provides for electrification of the rail network in the GDA including the Maynooth and Celbridge lines, and the development of the rail network including enhancing capacity.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this 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.
