Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
262. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on progress to introduce the new DART hybrid fleet on the northern line to Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15322/24]
View answerFollowing Government approval for a fleet framework agreement between Irish Rail and Alstom in December 2021, 95 additional DART carriages were purchased for arrival in 2025. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement, which will see 90 new battery-electric multiple units arrive by 2026.
The first of the new trains are due to arrive later this year, for testing and commissioning before deployment. The 30 electric carriages will be used, at least initially, to augment existing DART train services along the coast. The first batch of 65 battery-electric train carriages are expected to enter service on the Dublin to Drogheda line, in early 2026. To enable the roll-out of these DART trains to Drogheda, new battery-electric charging infrastructure is being developed at Drogheda station. This will allow the DART trains to operate on battery power between Malahide and Drogheda, in advance of the extension of overhead electric wires in future.
Part of the DART+ Programme, DART+ Coastal North will provide for the operation of fully electrified DART trains between Dublin city and Drogheda. In line with the Infrastructure Guidelines my Department has received the Preliminary Business Case for DART+ Coastal North and will shortly be submitting it to Government for approval.
Following Government approval a Railway Order application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for the DART+ Coastal North project. This is anticipated to occur in the second quarter of this year.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the DART+ programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
