Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - DTI Recommendation.

Seán Haughey

Question:

272 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current position in relation to a recommendation by the Dublin Transportation Initiative that a Dart station be provided in Fairview, Dublin 3; if this project is provided for in the Operational Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1392/95]

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

The final report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative contains a number of recommendations for improving public transport services throughout the greater Dublin area. One of the main improvements recommended by the DTI is the implementation of a light rail network. Among the other recommended improvements are extensive quality bus corridors, possible extensions of the DART to Malahide and Greystones and upgrading of the existing DART System including the construction of new stations at Fairview and Barrow Street; improved interchange facilities for buses and other public transport and off-street bus parking facilities in the city centre; provision of secure park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network and an integrated ticketing system for all public transport services.

Provision has been made in the National Development Plan and Operational Programme for Transport, which cover the period from 1994-1999, for EU co-financed expenditure of £200 million in respect of the light rail network and £20 million in respect of the other public transport improvements recommended by the DTI. Apart from the proposed light rail expenditure it is not possible to be more specific about the prospects for implementation of the other public transport improvements 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 available funding.