Alan Farrell
Ceist:72. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to facilitate the DART+ Coastal North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4003/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 1 February 2024
Ceisteanna (72)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ Coastal North.
It was noted by Government in its approval of the Preliminary Business Case for the overall DART+ Programme in December 2021 that the various specific DART+ projects would require separate approvals in line with the Public Spending Code, as they are progressed. This includes the DART+ Coastal North project.
The first non-statutory consultation on DART+ Coastal North was held in Quarter 1 2022, with the second held in Quarter 2 2023. In line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, which have recently replaced the Public Spending Code, the Department of Transport has received the Preliminary Business Case for DART+ Coastal North and will shortly be submitting it to Government for approval.
Following Government approval a Railway Order application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for the DART+ Coastal North project. This is anticipated to occur in the second quarter of this year.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51