Thomas P. Broughan
Question:126 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has to provide funding in 1995 for structural improvements at Kilbarrack, Bayside and Sutton DART stations. [2419/94]
Written Answers. - Dublin Public Transport Projects.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:127 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications in view of the Government's recent decisions on the Dublin light rail network, the plans, if any, he has for the provision of funding for any new urban rail initiative on the northside of Dublin, including a DART extension to Dublin Airport. [2422/94]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
The final report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative, which will be published shortly, contains proposals for improving public transport services throughout the Greater Dublin Area.
With regard to the northside of Dublin the basic three line light rail network recommended by the DTI includes a line to Ballymun. The Government's objective is to have two priority phases of this basic network constructed during the period of the National Development Plan at an estimated cost of £200 million and the Government will decide in due course on the two priority phases to be constructed. A fourth light rail line to Finglas via the old Broadstone railway line and an extension of the Ballymun line to Dublin Airport and Swords also form part of the full DTI recommended light rail network.
The DTI has recommended further evaluation of a conventional rail link from Dublin Airport to the DublinBelfast railway. Possible extensions of the DART to Malahide and Greystones are also included in the DTI recommendations along with upgrading of the existing DART system including certain stations. The DTI also recommends an integrated ticketing system for all public transport services, improved public transport interchange facilities and provision of secure park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network.
Apart from the proposed £200 million light rail expenditure, it is not possible to be more specific about the prospects for implementation of the many other public transport projects until a full evaluation of these has been carried out, bearing in mind that the full cost of all of these projects would greatly exceed likely available funding.