Jennifer Whitmore
Question:145. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the electric DART service for Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17143/24]
View answerThursday, 18 April 2024
Questions (145)
Written answers
As the Deputy is 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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including through the Wicklow Capacity Enhancement Study.
Initial planning/design work is currently ongoing to establish the feasibility of operating an hourly DART service to Wicklow town using battery-electric trains that could operate along the un-electrified section between Greystones and Wicklow. Under this arrangement, one DART per hour arriving at Greystones would be a battery-electric train, which would be able to continue further south along the un-electrified line and terminate at Wicklow town train station.
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.