Damien English
Question:99 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport his plans for rail development in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16696/03]
Written Answers. - Rail Services.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:148 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider reopening the Clonsilla to Navan railway line in view of the huge pressure on roads between Navan and Dublin. [16952/03]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 99 and 148 together.
The strategic rail review, which I published last April, provides the Government with a policy framework for the future development of rail passenger and rail freight sectors in Ireland.
With regard to the greater Dublin area, the review recognises the significant growth potential of rail in the region. The report recommends that Iarnród Éireann should aim for a turn up and go service on the Dublin suburban rail network. It also envisages that the four main rail corridors, Kildare, Maynooth, the north-eastern and south eastern corridors, should give commuters the type of service which will make their travel more attractive, speedy and reliable. As part of this initiative the construction of a new station at Spencer Dock, widening of rail corridors on the approach to Heuston and Connolly stations and the construction of an interconnector tunnel linking the proposed new Spencer Dock station with Heuston and Pearse stations are recommended.
Major rail projects, already under way, which will enhance the capacity of the rail system in the greater Dublin area include the following:
There has been almost a 50% increase in the number of DART cars since 2000. A further 40 DART cars have been ordered which will be delivered next year which, when operational in 2005, will result in a 100% in DART capacity over 2000; 20 diesel railcars delivered in 2000 are now operating on the Maynooth line resulting in a 100% increase in capacity; later this year, Irish Rail will bring into service a further 76 additional railcars for operation on Dublin suburban rail services, which significantly increase capacity in the greater Dublin area; construction work has commenced on the Kildare route to increase capacity by 130% later this year by providing longer platforms and trains and a turn-back facility at Newbridge; completion of the Heuston Station project is due later this year. This provides four additional platforms together with new signalling and track-work to allow more efficient use of the station; Luas services on the Tallaght to Connolly Station and Sandyford-St. Stephen's Green routes will commence next year.
The development of a rail link between Navan and Clonsilla is not currently among the planned proposals. However, the strategic rail review does recognise that circumstances can change and that there is a need for a flexible approach in the context of the selection and approval of investment proposals.
I expect that public transport links to Navan will be considered as part of the review of the strategic planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area, which has recently commenced under the auspices of the two regional authorities for the greater Dublin area.