Transport | Increasing the number of carriages on rail routes throughout County Kildare

To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is anticipated to increase the number of carriages on all rail routes serving numerous towns and villages throughout County Kildare, given the demography of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

As the Deputy may be aware, there are two major relevant rail carriage capacity enhancement projects underway.

Decision Gate 3 approval by Government of the DART+ Fleet framework agreement between Iarnród Éireann and Alstom in December 2021 permitted the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, for entry into service in 2025. On 29 November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement, which will see a further 90 new battery-electric multiple units enter service in 2026.

Secondly, there is the purchase of 41 additional intercity railcars, delivery of which commenced last September. These new railcars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service later this year.

In view of Iarnród Éireann’s responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply on the specifics requested.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.