Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
140. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the timeframes for the review of the National Transport Authority’s transport strategy for the greater Dublin Area; if, as part of that review, an extension of the DART to Wicklow town will be included as part of the existing DART+ coastal south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63179/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is statutorily required to review the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) every six years under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. The NTA initiated the review process for the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 in late 2020 with the publication of an Issues Paper for public consultation. The NTA undertook a second round of public consultation from November 2021 to January 2022 on a draft transport strategy for 2022-2042.
Following this second round of public consultation, the NTA reviewed the submissions received and submitted a draft strategy to me for approval in end May 2022 as required under the 2008 Act. Following consideration and engagement with the NTA on the draft strategy, I have now approved the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 and it will be published shortly by the NTA.
The strategy includes proposals to extend DART services beyond Greystones to Wicklow. However, any such extension is a separate project to DART+ Coastal South and would require its own approval.
Noting the NTA’s responsibility in the matter raised, 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.
