581. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the proposed Kylemore Station, Dart SW route; if planning and other statutory approvals have been secured; the estimated cost of progressing the project to tender and construction; the funding allocated to date; the reasons it has not proceeded to tender; whether an updated business case or funding request has been submitted; and the steps and timescale required to secure funding and advance the project, particularly in light of the planned City Edge (40,000 new homes) development and the transport needs of Kylemore, Ballyfermot and Bluebell. [63638/26]

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 current status of the proposed Kylemore station, this is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for a more 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 DART+ South West remains a major priority for myself and my Department. A major milestone for the project 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.