asked the Minister for Transport and Power if there are any proposals to construct a new railway link in conjunction with either of the proposed new bridges to be built between areas north and south of the Liffey.
23.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Rail Link.
22.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if there are any proposals to remove the loop-line from Amiens Street to Tara Street, Dublin.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
There are no such proposals at present.
These two questions naturally go together. I understand that the life of the loopline is very limited. It will have to be replaced in due course. Would the Minister agree that if a new railway bridge, preferably further east, were built in conjunction with the motorway there would be a great saving of cost?
The committee looked into that matter with CIE and decided that the soonest they will be able to remove it and build a new railway will be in about 20 years' time. It is not feasible to build it much earlier than that.
Will the Minister give me an assurance that the loopline will be safe for that period?
I do not know. If the Deputy puts down a question for next week I will look into the matter.
The Minister may not be answering questions next week.
That is not my fault. I do not put down the questions.