Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2023
76. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the roll-out of additional train carriages for the Dublin mid-west area; when these will come into operation; if this can be updated in line with population growth for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2213/23]
View answerThe Iarnród Éireann fleet is due to be expanded this year, with the final delivery of 41 new Intercity railcars expected in the coming months.
The precise deployment of these new trains is still being considered by Iarnród Éireann and will reflect emerging travelling trends post-COVID-19. The route between Grand Canal Dock and Hazelhatch/Newbridge could see capacity increases as a result of the new units, serving stations such as Adamstown and Cherry Orchard. Other intercity connections to and from Heuston could also benefit from the arrival of these carriages. Once service options have been defined for the new rail units, there may also be the possibility to cascade fleet to other lines.
In addition to these 41 Intercity Railcars, the Government approved a ten-year fleet framework agreement between Iarnród Éireann and Alstom in December 2021. This agreement allows for the purchase of up to 750 electric and battery-electric train carriages over the contract period. While the framework was agreed in the context of purchasing new fleet as part of the DART+ Programme, future orders could be for fleet across the rail network.
Alongside approval of the framework in December 2021, the Government also gave specific approval for the first purchase under the framework of 30 electric carriages and 65 battery-electric carriages. These carriages are expected to enter into service in 2025 on the Northern Line and on the existing DART Line. Using the new fleet on the Northern Line means that its current fleet can be used elsewhere creating additional capacity across the existing Irish Rail network.
Furthermore, last November the Government approved the purchase of a further 90 battery-electric carriages under this framework. I anticipate that these 90 carriages will be delivered in 2026. The carriages will facilitate the expansion of DART+ services to Drogheda to the north, Maynooth/M3 Parkway to the west and Celbridge/Hazelhatch to the south-west.
My officials are currently reviewing the Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ South West project, which will increase capacity in the Dublin west region in line with expected population growth. As battery-electric carriages can operate through the use of batteries, there is potential to deploy them in advance of the rollout of overhead electric lines on the DART+ South West line. This would allow for capacity increases in areas such as Cherry Orchard and Adamstown in the coming years. The precise deployment of this fleet will be decided before their arrival, subject to available funding for necessary supporting infrastructure.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in determining the appropriate deployment of fleet, I have referred the deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed response on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 days.
