Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
458. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects commuter rail passenger numbers to increase when the lines are upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21275/22]
View answer461. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date towards the extension of DART services to Maynooth, County Kildare and further afield in north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21278/22]
View answer464. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which the relevant authority is willing to accept the concerns expressed at various stakeholder discussions with the public and public representatives with particular reference to the need to avail of the opportunity to extend electric rail services beyond Maynooth to Kilcock as well as Hazelhatch and Sallins thereby investing for the future transport needs of the north County Kildare region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21281/22]
View answer465. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the electrification of the Maynooth rail line with particular reference to the need to ensure that car parking facilities are supplied to the west of Kilcock thereby facilitating Enfield, Kilcock and the wider hinterland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21282/22]
View answer466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the steps that can be taken to accelerate the programme to upgrade the Hazelhatch and Sallins railway line; if plans are being advanced to connect the Maynooth line with Hazelhatch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21283/22]
View answer467. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that realignment of roads and bridges in the context of the extension and electrification of rail services throughout north County Kildare does not involve disadvantaging local communities and that road and bridge realignments outstanding for many years are satisfactorily dealt with in the course of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21284/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 458, 461, 464, 465, 466 and 467 together.
As the Deputy is aware, both DART+ West and DART+ South West are elements of the DART+ Programme. 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+ Programme and commuter rail.
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.
