As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the purchase of 41 additional intercity railcars and the DART+ Programme.
The delivery of 41 additional intercity railcars was completed last March. These new railcars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service this year. As part of ongoing work by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann on a network-wide basis, consideration will be given to providing new and additional carriages where demand, available carriages and suitable infrastructure support such provision.
Approval by Government in December 2021 permitted the purchase of 95 DART carriages from Alstom, for entry into service starting later next year. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which will see an additional 90 new battery-electric multiple units enter service from around 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter 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.
