Jack Chambers
Ceist:81. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to electrify the Maynooth to Connolly rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7505/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 15 February 2018
Ceisteanna (81)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 which provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades, proposes implementation of the DART Expansion Programme.
In line with the Government’s budgetary framework set out in Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021 published in September 2015, the Government's Budget 2018 provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021.
This includes funding in the region of €230 million for mainline rail and DART capacity enhancement. This will enable commencement of the initial stages of the DART Expansion programme, focussing on additional fleet and extending the electrified DART system. It will also allow further progress to be made on the electrification of both the Northern rail line to Balbriggan and the Maynooth line.
Limited design work has been carried out on the electrification of the Northern and Maynooth lines to date. It is not possible at this stage to be prescriptive on the construction commencement date as this can only be finalised following the completion of initial design work. However, it is likely to be 2021 before building work starts, subject to receipt of the necessary statutory planning approval. Planning consent is likely to be sought during 2020.
In light of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for further information on the issue raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
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