asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any further consideration has been given to the provision of an underground rail system for Dublin in view of growing traffic congestion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Underground Railway.
37.
Provision of an underground rail system in Dublin to relieve congestion on the roads would be a matter for consideration by the planning authority in the first instance.
The report Transportation in Dublin published by An Foras Forbartha in November, 1971, recommended, inter alia, that an investigation be undertaken to examine the feasibility and costs of constructing a short underground in central Dublin that would more effectively connect up the four existing rail links into the city. The various recommendations made in this report are under examination in the Departments concerned.
Has the Minister any estimate of the cost?
This is the main matter that is concerning the Departments who are examining it. There is no firm figure so far.
Would the Minister agree that to get any way out of the growing traffic congestion in Dublin we must get an alternative mode of transport, apart from surface travel, to our already overcrowded roads, and that although the cost of this may be considered astronomical we will be forced, if we are to attempt a solution, to think up a similar scheme ten years hence when costs will be much more astronomical?
This is a very attractive way to deal with it. It is being costed at the moment.
Does the Minister not agree there is an immense amount of money being spent on planning without any indication whatever from the Government that they will be prepared to spend a certain amount of money during the years ahead, and that this is regarded as a waste of money because there is no indication of capital being made available?
This is at a very advanced stage now. As I have said, the final decision will be taken having regard to the cost involved.