Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - DART Extension.

Liz McManus

Question:

260 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, he has to provide for the extension of the DART to Greystones, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2988/94]

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

The National Development Plan includes provision for an EU assisted investment programme of £220 million so as to enable substantial progress to be made on implementation of the public transport elements of the Dublin Transportation Initiative. This funding includes provision for expenditure of up to £200 million in respect of the first phase of the light rail network for Dublin.

The remaining £20 million has been included in the National Plan for a number of other important public transport projects recommended by the DTI including improved interchange facilities for buses and other public transport and off street bus parking facilities in the city centre; extension of DART to Greystones and possibly to Malahide; provision of secure park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network; an integrated ticketing system for all public transport services.

In general terms the overall cost for these projects would greatly exceed the level of funding available. Accordingly it is essential that the available expenditure is carefully allocated to the most effective projects in overall public transport terms. In this context I have asked CIE to undertake a detailed cost-benefit analysis of a number of future public transport options for the north Wicklow area including a DART extension to Greystones. Pending the outcome of this work and further detailed analysis in relation to the other public transport projects recommended by the DTI it is not possible to be more specific about the prospects for implementation of an extension of the DART to Greystones.