Vol. 428 No. 1
407 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if the final report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative will address proposals for a light rail or DART extension to the Coolock/Artane/Ayrfield district in Dublin 5, perhaps along the proposed airport/DART extension.
The interim report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative, which was published recently, contains recommendations for a long term transportation strategy for Dublin city and an investment and implementation programme for the period 1994-1997. As regards public transport, the interim report contains a range of proposals, including DART extension/upgrading, the development of a light rail system and the introduction of significantly enhanced quality bus services along dedicated corridors, as well as a range of traffic management and other measures. This recommended strategy emerged following a very detailed process of study and testing, including cost-benefit analysis, traffic demand modelling, land use, engineering and financial evaluation, market research, extensive public consultation, social and community research and institutional analysis. Both the recommended strategy and the investment and implementation programme will be the subject of further technical, financial, economic and environmental evaluation and public consultation in advance of the final report.
I am satisfied that under the ongoing DTI process, optimal solutions for the traffic and transportation problems and requirements of all areas in Dublin city are being developed. It would not however be appropriate for me to pre-empt the final report of the DTI in relation to specific public transport options which may be recommended for any individual district.
