Written answer
Rail Network
Funding is allocated for DART+ South West planning, design and procurement through 2030, with construction following DART+ West and efforts underway to accelerate delivery.
166. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on the funding for Dart+ SW. [66601/26]
Comment on this
Both the overall DART+ programme and the 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.
Last year, the National Development Plan from 2026 to 2030 allocated funding to advance DART+ West into construction from late next year. DART+ West must proceed first in terms of the infrastructure projects, as it includes a new depot to house an expanded DART fleet and necessary city centre capacity upgrades to support the overall 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.
NDP funding has also been allocated to DART+ South West to progress with planning, design, and procurement between 2026-2030. Compulsory Purchase Orders for DART+ South West also commenced in February. I will continue to engage with the Minister for Public Expenditure and my Government colleagues to further accelerate delivery of DART+ South West in the years ahead.