asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any consideration has been given to reopening branch railway lines in the Dublin area to relieve traffic congestion on the roads.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reopening of Dublin Railways.
11.
The only railway line closed in the Dublin area was the Harcourt Street-Bray line. CIE have informed me that it would be quite impracticable to consider reopening this line.
CIE are fully conscious of the need to ensure that the suburban rail services are utilised as effectively as possible with a view to making the maximum contribution to the relief of road congestion in Dublin city. The board have the use of these facilities under constant survey. Certain steps have been taken to improve the existing services. Additional services during the morning and evening rush hours have been introduced between Connolly Station and Dalkey, and it is planned to commence work shortly on the building of a new station at Kilbarrack on the northern line to cater for increased traffic requirements arising from housing developments in the area. The station at Howth Junction is being rebuilt and that at Lansdowne Road is being renovated to cater for increased traffic.
Will the Minister state if he considers that the closure of the Harcourt Street-Bray Line was justified in view of this congestion?
The line was making a very severe loss.
It was not severe at all.
It was closed so long ago that I do not think I could make an observation on it. I would say that it is doubtful if it could be run on economic lines.
It would be making a packet today and the Minister knows it, because all the surrounding area has been built on.