156. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on Dart+ South West; when the project will be delivered; and if there will be an increase in capacity in the existing lines in advance of the project progressing. [67322/26]

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.

Pending a more detailed response, both the DART+ programme and DART+ South West project are priority investments for my Department. Collectively, the programme will triple the length of the electrified Dublin commuter rail network and double its capacity.

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, and all responses to these have been received and evaluated. The consultation process is now closed, and tender documentation is now in its final drafting stage.

Last year, the National Development Plan from 2026 to 2030 allocated funding to advance DART+ West into construction from next year. While DART+ West must proceed first in terms of the major infrastructure projects, as it includes a new depot to house an expanded DART fleet and necessary city centre capacity upgrades to support the wider programme, 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.

With regard to an increase in capacity on existing lines, I am pleased to note that safety testing is progressing and trains from the first order of 95 electric and battery-carriages will start rolling out on the Northern line next year, extending DART services to Drogheda. The second order of 90 carriages are planned to enter service in 2028, which will allow the extension of DART services to Wicklow around 2029. The entry into service of the new DART+ fleet, will allow for Intercity and Commuter trains to be redeployed to other busy sections of the rail network. The redeployment is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and the NTA.

With regard to the Deputy's specific questions, 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.