391. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport the number of WTE staff by job title of the external project team working on behalf of Iarnród Éireann in respect of DART North Project. [55480/26]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area. In the case of the DART+ programme, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.

With regard to the Deputy's specific questions regarding the number of WTE staff by job title of the external project team working on behalf of Iarnród Éireann in respect of DART+ Coastal North Project, this is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Pending this more detailed response, I note that the DART+ North project continues to advance. The Department of the Taoiseach recently announced over €90 million in Shared Island funding for rail projects to support the acceleration of elements of DART+ Coastal North including signalling upgrades and turnback facility at Malahide station and a track loop at Clongriffin station. I also note that the first order of DART+ battery-electric fleet, which is currently undergoing safety testing is scheduled to commence operations on the Northern line from Dublin to Drogheda next year.