Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2015
24. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he welcomes plans to increase the Dublin Area Rapid Transit, DART, service frequency in early 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44886/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted that commuters in the New Year will be able to benefit from enhanced service frequency on the DART network. As the Deputy will recall, a few weeks ago I was able to announce total Public Service Obligation funding of €236.6m for 2016, an increase of 12% or €28 million on 2015. While it is the NTA's responsibility to allocate the funding appropriately under its PSO contracts, some of the funding to be received by Iarnród Éireann next year will support these DART service enhancements.
I believe that the new service frequency levels will allow Iarnród Éireann to continue to build on the success they have had in recent years in growing passenger numbers.
I am particularly pleased about the manner in which Iarnród Éireann engages with its customers during the public consultation process which now informs the development of schedule changes. Of course any schedule changes are subject to the approval of the National Transport Authority in its statutory role of improving public transport services generally within available resources.
I understand a similar exercise will take place in the coming months in respect of rail services into Heuston Station.
I look forward to the commencement of these improved DART services in the New Year which I am sure will be welcomed by the commuting public.
