Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
159. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the current projected timeframe for construction works to commence electrification of the northern commuter line in order to extend the DART to Balbriggan; the current projected timeframe for the DART to Balbriggan to be completed and open for passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39039/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is likely aware, the Public Spending Code sets out the requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects in Ireland and the Code applies to all public bodies and to all bodies whose projects are supported by Exchequer capital funding.
The Code sets out a number of Decision Gates in the development of a project proposal; these are points where major decisions need to be made about the progress of a project and, for projects expected to cost over €100million, Government approval is required at these Decision Gates. For a project in this category, "Decision Gate 1: Approval in Principle" is the first stage where the Public Spending Code stipulates that formal Government approval is required.
In accordance with the Public Spending Code's requirements, the National Transport Authority has submitted the DART+ Preliminary Business Case to my Department. The Code stipulates that it must be reviewed by both my Department and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform. Following completion of these necessary steps I will then bring the matter to Government for its decision.
Approval under “Decision Gate 1: Approval in Principle” is required prior to any application to An Bord Pleanála for a Railway Order. I would note that this is the first of three Government Decision Gates and, if approved by Government at Decision Gate 1, then "Decision Gate 2: Pre-Tender Approval" requires submission of a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy which will be considered at that juncture, while finally "Decision Gate 3: Approval to Proceed" requires submission of a Final Business Case to allow substantive construction to commence.
DART+ is a programme comprised of five principal elements - DART+ West, DART+ South West, DART+ Coastal North (as referred to by the Deputy), DART+ Coastal South and DART+ Fleet. DART+ West and DART+ Fleet are the two elements most advanced at this stage with Government decisions expected in respect of both expected this year, while approval stages in respect of the other elements of the programme to follow thereafter.
