Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
179. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of any costings carried out for moving the rail line between Bray and Greystones inland to bypass Bray Head and lay twin tracks to increase the frequency of trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10727/23]
View answer180. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on the timeframe for the delivery of new train carriages; if these will be used on the Dublin to Rosslare rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10728/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, 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, any costing which may have been carried out in relation to moving the rail line between Bray and Greystones.
The Deputy may also be aware that there are two major relevant rail carriage capacity enhancement projects underway. There is the purchase of 41 additional intercity railcars, delivery of which commenced last September. These new railcars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service this year. As part of ongoing work by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann on a network-wide basis, consideration will be given to providing new and additional carriages where demand, available carriages and suitable infrastructure support such provision.
Secondly, approval by Government of the DART+ Preliminary Business Case in December 2021 permitted the purchase of 95 DART carriages from Alstom, for entry into service in 2025. On 29 November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which will see 90 further new battery-electric multiple units enter service in 2026.
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.
