Written answer
Public Transport
The Minister referred capacity projections and Connolly constraints to the NTA, citing station upgrades, Clongriffin track works, new DART carriages and Enterprise-related Connolly works.
189. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the projected increase in passenger capacity under DART+ for commuters boarding at Clongriffin, Howth Junction and Donaghmede, and Kilbarrack stations; and the measures planned to address capacity constraints at Connolly Station. [75008/26]
Comment on this
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, including any proposed measures to address capacity constraints. In the case of the rail network, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific queries raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Pending this more detailed reply, as part of DART+ Coastal North, significant upgrades to Howth Junction and Donaghmede Station are planned to provide a more accessible, user friendly station.
Additionally, in June it was announced that €93 million is being provided via the Shared Island initiative to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure as part of DART+ Coastal North, in particular a new turnback facility at Malahide Station and a new track loop at Clongriffin. These interventions will help alleviate congestion on the busy Northern line, by allowing cross-border Enterprise trains to pass DART and commuter trains at both stations.
In the short-term, additional capacity on the rail network will be added through the entry into service of the new DART+ Fleet. The first order of 95 carriages is due to enter service in 2027 on the Northern Line, from Connolly to Drogheda, providing a boost to passengers along the line.
Finally, as part of the Enterprise Fleet Replacement programme, which will replace the existing Enterprise fleet, will also provide works at Connolly Station. These will comprise an upgrade of Platform 2 service and an extension to a service slab to accommodate the 200-metre Enterprise trains. These works will be integrated with the Connolly Depot Refurbishment project, and will support the operation of the new fleet at the station.