Rail Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2006

Thursday, 23 November 2006

Ceisteanna (232)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

232 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport when the first rail services to the Docklands station will commence; the arrangements being made to provide for link services to Connolly station, Dublin city centre, and the south business district; if his attention has been drawn to the long distances between the new station and Connolly, the LUAS link and crossing by foot to the south city business district, to which 60% of commuters using the Clonsilla line wish to go; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39785/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I understand from Irish Rail that construction of the Docklands Station is now due to be complete in March 2007 and to be operational from April 2007, i.e. 9 months in advance of the original projected completion date.

This is a first step in implementing a rail-based development plan for the area, also involving the Railway Procurement Agency. I have asked Irish Rail to report to me on the need for bus connections to and from the city centre pending the delivery of the Luas connection to the Point Depot and the Interconnector.