Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2023
30. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which plans for the electrification of the Dublin-Maynooth line are actively in hand; when the project is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20736/23]
View answer88. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which passenger capacity is being or can be improved on the north Kildare commuter lines such as Naas-Sallins, Hazelhatch, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey; if park-and-ride facilities are likely to be provided/extended on these very busy routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20737/23]
View answer127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans, if any, to increase the number of carriages serving the North Kildare rail commuter routes, or alternatively, increasing the frequency of trains, thereby improving the service for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20926/23]
View answer132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which the commuter towns of North Kildare can expect improved rail and bus services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20931/23]
View answer134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the throughput of passengers at the various stations on the Maynooth line; the extent to which demand has grown and his proposals to accommodate the demand in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20933/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 88, 127, 132 and 134 together.
In October 2019, the Government approved the purchase of 41 additional intercity rail cars to enhance passenger capacity across the rail network. Delivery of the first units purchased following this approval commenced late last year and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Iarnród Éireann recently took delivery of the final new carriages.
These new rail cars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service next year. As part of ongoing work by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann, consideration is being given to providing new and additional carriages where demand, available carriages and suitable infrastructure support such provision.
As the Deputy may also be aware, DART+ West, which encompasses electrification of the Dublin-Maynooth line, is part of the DART+ Programme. The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including park and ride facilities and, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme. The NTA also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in these matters 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.
