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Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Questions (59)

James Lawless

Question:

59. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the DART underground; the timeline to its completion; the estimated benefits that it would bring to the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32452/21]

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Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware DART+ is a multi-billion euro programme to upgrade rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and will effectively double the capacity of the network compared to today. The programme will significantly expand the electrified heavy rail commuter rail network in the GDA through expanded fleet and improved infrastructure.

Planning and design has continued on the development of DART+, the largest ever investment in our rail infrastructure and services, and I will bring a memorandum to Government in the coming months seeking approval for that programme to move forward to the next Decision Gate under the Public Spending Code, which will be a hugely significant step forward.

I very much look forward to seeing the DART+ programme progress in the coming years.

In relation to the proposed DART Underground, the issue is being considered as part of the review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area led by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns across the Greater Dublin Area and will be subject to a full public consultation, including the publication of all background reports and feasibility studies. That NTA-led public consultation will take place later this year and I would encourage public representatives and interested citizens to participate.

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