asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if, having regard to the enormous success of the DART in reducing vehicular congestion in Dublin city, he will request Iarnród Éireann-Irish Rail to complete their investigations into the provision of an additional DART station in the vicinity of the Grand Canal Harbour basin; if he will assist them with the provision of extra capital finances with the construction of such a station having regard to the enormous additional contribution which it would make towards the reduction of city vehicular traffic bearing in mind the high concentration of office employment in the vicinity of the proposed location; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Additional DART Station.
143.
I am informed by larnród Éireann that they consider that a potential exists for an additional DART station in the Grand Canal Street area. The company have discussed the matter with local developers with a view to the possibility of a station being included in planned developments in the area. If and when a proposal is formulated and submitted to me for consideration, I will arrange to have it examined.
The funding of Iarnród Éireann's capital programme is a matter for the board. In the circumstances and having regard to the high level of Exchequer funds provided annually for CIF and the pressure on State financial resources. I see little prospect of entering into any commitment at this stage on the possibility of Exchequer financial support in this matter.