asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will make a statement on the Government's position regarding the proposals for a rapid rail link to Tallaght, Dublin 24 and Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
25.
Written Answers. - Greater Dublin Area Transport.
18.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has received an application from CIE for financial assistance to allow the opening of 12 new rail stations in the greater Dublin area and to allow for a major upgrading of the public transport system in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
33.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has received proposals from Irish Rail for the development of a commuter service on the Maynooth/Connolly link and the Clondalkin/Connolly link via Heuston Station; the details of any proposals; the location of stations; his response to the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
71.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has within his Department proposals for Iarnród Éireann to extend rail services on the western commuter line, with particular reference to the provision of a railway station at Confey, Leixlip, County Kildare; if he has, or will approve this proposal in the near future; if he will indicate the availability for financial allocation in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
72.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to a proposal by Iarnród Éireann to provide a railway station at Confey, Leixlip, County Kildare; if his attention has further been drawn to the need for capital allocation for the provision of these facilities; if his Department has received a request for funds in this regard; if he will consider such a request either in the current year or in 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 25, 33, 71 and 72 together.
The Government decided last year that no further consideration would be given to extending the DART system because of the high costs of such development and the state of the public finances. CIE were accordingly instructed in October 1987 to prepare transport investment plans for the Dublin area, involving only bus-based options or diesel services on existing rail lines.
Last August I received proposals from CIE for improved commuter diesel rail services from Maynooth to the city, a new diesel rail commuter service from Clondalkin to the city and the provision of feeder bus services in the rail catchment areas. On the bus side, CIE propose to provide new services on a number of peripheral routes, local minibus services in certain suburbs, the satellite towns and some city areas and limited stop services to the city on certain longer journeys. The opening of four new stations at Confey, Coolmine, Blanchardstown and Broombridge on the line from Maynooth is envisaged. A much more frequent service is also proposed. The proposal for a new service from Clondalkin envisages stations at Clondalkin, Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, Inchicore, a new Heuston suburban station, Phoenix Park, Cabra and Drumcondra with a frequent service.
CIE have indicated that they would not be able to fund the expenditure required from their own resources and that financial aid of about £30 million would be required for full implementation of the proposals.