asked the Minister for the Environment the proportion of the former Harcourt and Broadstone rail lines in Dublin which will be available for reinstatement as busways; and if the Government will pursue this relatively inexpensive way of promoting public transport in Dublin.
Written Answers. - Dublin Rail Lines.
161.
I have no information on the extent of the former Harcourt Street and Broadstone rail lines in Dublin that could be utilised as busways. As the Minister for Transport indicated in reply to Questions Nos. 17-19 on 14 May 1980, the Government, having considered the report of the Transport Consultative Commission, decided to establish a Dublin Transportation Authority with overall responsibility for ensuring the integrated planning and operation of transportation in the Dublin area, and also to establish a task force which would prepare the way for the establishment of that Transportation Authority and, pending such establishment, would be given responsibility for traffic management and for the evaluation of road and rail investment plans for the Dublin area. While questions as to the Transportation Authority and task force fall to be addressed to the Minister for Transport, I have no doubt that the issue of busways will be involved in their deliberations.