Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
190. 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 [4881/24]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.
As part of the DART+ Programme, the DART+ West project will provide an electrified and more frequent rail service to passengers between Maynooth and M3 Parkway and Dublin city centre. A Railway Order application for the project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022 and and an oral hearing held in the second half of last year. A planning decision from An Bord Pleanála is awaited.
The objectives of the DART+ West project is to increase capacity and electrify the line. Additional car parking facilities in Kilcock or elsewhere are not within the scope of the DART+ West project. However, Iarnród Éireann’s Network Enhancement Division and the NTA's Park & Ride Development Office are working on other projects to deliver enhanced parking at stations, for cars and bicycles, in parallel to the DART+ West project.
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.
