asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent observations at a meeting of Dublin County Council and elsewhere about the need for additional passenger rail facilities in and near Dublin; if he is aware of the neglect of railways in Dublin as a means of conveying people to and from their daily work; and that this neglect arises because of divided responsibility in traffic matters between the Departments of Justice, Local Government and Transport and Power and several other authorities; and if he will establish a unified central body to ensure proper planning and development of traffic.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Passenger Rail Facilities.
42.
I am aware of the concern of the Dublin County Council and of other interested bodies to ensure that due regard is had to the role which public transport should play in dealing with the transportation needs of the Dublin metropolitan area.
I am also aware that the need for additional passenger rail facilities in or near Dublin is reviewed periodically by CIE and that services are augmented as required to meet demand.
I do not accept the contention that railways in Dublin have been neglected. The final parts of the Deputy's question do not therefore arise.
I would however remind the Deputy that there is a committee, under the chairmanship of a senior officer of the Dublin Corporation, which represents the Dublin local authorities, my Department, the Garda Síochána and Córas Iompair Éireann and co-ordinates the activities of these bodies in relation to Dublin traffic.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that not only have the railways been neglected but they have, in fact, been literally torn up in some cases when it was apparent to all that there would be a substantial growth of the city south-eastwards?
I am aware that this matter is at present under consideration.