Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2023
68. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport being cognisant of the fact the population of Drogheda grew by 13% between 2016 and 2022, and with 25,000 new residents expected within a few years due to housing developments along the PANCR, what additional public transport resources are being considered for Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32940/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal North. DART+ Coastal North will extend rail electrification to Drogheda.
As the Deputy may be aware, 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.
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 rail carriages. The battery-electric carriages are expected to enter into service in 2025 to expand DART services on the Northern Line to Drogheda. This fleet will deliver more capacity and increased service frequency for commuters in advance of electrification of the line.
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 responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Separately, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades to 2050, in line with net-zero commitments in both jurisdictions.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities including the potential for higher/high-speed, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that a draft will be published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation later in July. Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government in the autumn, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.
It is expected that the final Review will be published in the autumn of 2023.
