Vol. 470 No. 6
90 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he acknowledges the importance of the northside route in respect of the proposed light rail network; the line of the proposed route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19596/96]
94 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he supports the view that Dublin Airport warrants special consideration in view of the huge number of commuters to the airport, irrespective of other proposals for light rail transport or DART; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19601/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 94 together.
I have repeatedly stated the Government's commitment to the phased construction of the core light rail network recommended by the Dublin Transportation Initiative, serving Ballymun, Cabinteely and Tallaght.
Work on the planning and design of the Ballymun to city centre route will proceed in parallel with the construction of the Tallaght to Dundrum route. The Government is committed to constructing the Ballymun line as soon as possible and, at the latest, immediately after the completion of the Tallaght to Dundrum route. Project team staff will be transferred to work on the Ballymun route immediately they complete planning and design work on the Tallaght to Dundrum route. The planning work on the Ballymun route will include investigation of possible alternative alignment options and consideration of an extension to Dublin Airport. No final decision on a route will be taken until full local public consultation has taken place and the statutory requirements have been completed.
