asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether consideration has been given to a plan for expanding suburban rail lines in Dublin with the introduction of new rolling stock; and whether a planned opening of new stations is contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Suburban Rail Lines.
16.
The development and modernisation of Dublin suburban rail services have been recommended in the McKinsey report Defining the Role of Public Transport in a Changing Environment and in the Foras Forbartha advisory report Transportation in Dublin. These recomendations are at present being examined in the Departments concerned.
Can the Minister state at what stage any action will be taken? We have already had, in a piecemeal fashion, the opening of certain stations such as at Kilbarrack and the Bayside. Local pressure is building up in different parts of Dublin for new stations to be opened. Can we expect any action shortly on this matter? I am sure the Minister would agree with the Foras Forbartha report that, properly speaking, this cannot be inaugurated unless we have a general approach to the whole rail system around Dublin?
A joint committee of my Department and the Department of Local Government examined these two reports, the McKinsey Report and the Foras Forbartha Report, and it is for the Department of Finance to cost the whole development.
The Minister for Finance can tell the Minister that there is strong pressure for the reopening of the Clontarf station. In many other parts of Dublin city similar groups wish to have closed stations reopened.
This must be looked at in a comprehensive way. This is the suggestion in both the reports mentioned. It would require substantial investment and it is only right and proper, before any decisions are made, that we should know exactly what sort of money is involved.