asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will consider the feasibility of the introduction of an underground railway between the satellite town of Ballymun and Dublin city centre, with particular regard to the large number of commuters from the satellite town and surrounding area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Underground Railway.
7.
The determination of the need for new rail services is, under statute, the responsibility of CIE. I am informed by CIE that no consideration has been given by the board to the feasibility of the introduction of an underground railway between Ballymun and the city centre.
However, experience abroad suggests that very heavy capital investment is required for an underground railway system, even a small one, and that underground systems cannot be justified on economic grounds.
The provision of an underground railway system anywhere in Dublin would be a matter for consideration by the planning authority in the first instance. It should be noted, however, that the provision of such a system has not been recommended either by Professor Myles Wright in his report on the planning and future development of the Dublin region or by Professor Schaechterle in his report on Dublin traffic planning.
Has the Minister given any consideration to the provision of any form of rail transportation in view of the fact that recently rail transportation in the suburbs has proved to be financially remunerative? Further, in view of the rapid expansion of the north side of the city and because of the heavy volume of traffic to and from the airport, would the Minister not consider that a rail service communicating between the airport, the Ballymun satellite town and the city centre would be an advantage to all citizens in that area?
A rail service is a different matter. The Deputy's question related to the feasibility of an underground railway.
The Minister should ask some of his backbenchers about underground activities.
In answer to a question I put to the Minister previously he told me that an overground railway was not being considered. I have tabled this question to ascertain if consideration would be given to a rail service of any kind.