498. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on Dart+ Southwest; when works are expected to take place; the funding associated with this; when passengers can expect to be able to use this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57084/26]

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. As such I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct 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+ programme and DART+ South West within that are priority investments for me as Minister and for my Department. Collectively, the programme will triple the length of the electrified Dublin commuter rail network and double its capacity, with customers starting to experience tangible benefits from the middle of next year when services to and from Drogheda into operation.

In terms of DART+ South West specifically, a major milestone was cleared in November 2024 when the project secured full planning approval. Procurement for both DART+ South West and West is now progressing, with pre-qualification questionnaire notices for design and build works advertised in May 2025.

Last year, the National Development Plan from 2026 to 2030 allocated funding to advance DART+ West into construction from late next year. While DART+ West must proceed first in terms of the infrastructure programmes, as it includes a new depot to house an expanded DART fleet and necessary city centre capacity upgrades, to expedite the subsequent delivery of DART+ South West, the procurement approach will see supplier frameworks established across DART+ West and South West for common project elements. NDP funding also allowed the Compulsory Purchase Order process for DART+ South West to commence in February this year.