Emmet Stagg
Question:122 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the number and nature of projects for which Iarnród Éireann has received EC Structural Fund approval arising from the National Development Plan.
Written Answers. - Iarnród Éireann Projects Funding.
Emmet Stagg
Question:123 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will give details of the projects submitted by larnród Éireann seeking Structural Fundings in the context of the National Development Plan 1989-1993; the projects which were submitted to the European Commission for approval; if he will give details of those projects included in the submission by Iarnród Éireann but not submitted for approval; and the reason therefor.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
Transport investment proposals involving expenditure of up to £30 million, mainly in respect of rail projects, have been included in the draft operational programme for roads and other transport infrastructure which is being discussed with the European Commission in the context of the EC Structural Funds. These proposals have been prepared on the basis of expected ERDF funding of £15 million for rail and bus projects.
The main projects included in the draft operational programme are as follows:
(a) provision of new commuter rail services from Clondalkin to the city centre, with eight new stations and feeder bus services to Tallaght, at a cost of £27.3 million.
(b) upgrading of the existing commuter rail service from Maynooth to the city, involving the provision of four new stations, at a cost of £0.73 million.
(c) construction of a new rail link to certain shipside container facilities at Dublin Port, at a cost of £1.5 million.
In the case of the Maynooth rail project, I understand that Iarnród Éireann expect to bring the improved services into operation next month. Further developments in relation to the proposed Clondalkin rail projects or other options and the rail link at Dublin Port must await the outcome of the request for EC aid.
In view of the level of EC Structural Funds available for public transport projects and the criteria which are being considered for such projects in the draft operational programme, it has not been possible to include all of the investment proposals which were submitted by Iarnrod Éireann for consideration.
I would also refer the Deputy to my reply of 12 June to questions on the proposed upgrading of the Dublin/Belfast rail link.