Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 2

Written Answers. - Dublin Light Rail System.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

13 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the latest position regarding plans for a light rail system for Dublin; if a date has been set for the commencement of work on any of the lines; the lines which will be started first; the expected completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Alan Shatter

Question:

14 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications when it is intended to commence the necessary works to reopen the old Harcourt Street line for the purpose of a new light rail system; and when it is proposed the light rail transport system will start to operate along the route.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.

During my address to the House on 16 June last on the Community Support Framework for Ireland, I indicated that the broad thrust of the individual transport investments listed in the National Development Plan, which includes £200 million for the development of a light rail system in Dublin, would be dealt within the Operational Programme for Transport 1994-1999. The programme is under negotiation with the European Commission at present and I expect that it will be finalised shortly.

The basic light rail system recommended by the Dublin Transportation Initiative is for lines to Tallaght, Cabinteely — via the Harcourt Street line — and Ballymun and would cost approximately £300 million to implement. Possibilities for further extensions to the basic network will also be reported on in the final report of the DTI which will be completed soon. The basic network cannot be constructed within the EU and other resources totalling £200 million set out in the national plan. Moreover, a longer time frame than that of the plan will be needed to complete the basic DTI network.

Anticipating the agreement of the European Commission to these proposals, my Department is engaged in detailed work to advise on the optimum combination of light rail links, based on the recommendations of the DTI, which should be constructed over the plan period. All of the bodies involved in the planning and provision of transportation in the Dublin area are co-operating with my Department in this work. I expect that decisions on these issues will be taken by the Government soon. The Government's decision on the choice of light rail links will be influenced by major factors such as financial viability, congestion alleviation, levels of peak and off peak demand, social need and ease of construction.