Written answer
Rail Network
FourNorth DART+ design studies are nearing completion, with public consultation planned later this year; further development will inform next year’s GDA Transport Strategy update.
144. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the current status of the project FourNorth DART+ programme; the timeline for publication of the emerging preferred option and commencement of public consultation; the anticipated timeline for progressing the project through planning and delivery. [67399/26]
Comment on this
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Pending this response I note that preliminary work on FourNorth has been co-funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the Department of Transport to help advance the project's design, with these studies now progressing through their final stages. These studies will help support the preparation of appraisal documents required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. A public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Option for FourNorth is planned to take place later this year. The further development of FourNorth will be considered as part of the update of the GDA Transport Strategy which is due to commence next year.
Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.