Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 4

Written Answers - Public Transport in Dublin.

Ivor Callely

Question:

20 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on measures that could be taken to improve public service transport in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3709/95]

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

Over the past four years the Dublin Transportation Initiative has carried out the most detailed study ever undertaken of the transportation and traffic problems of Dublin. The transportation strategy for Dublin which has been recommended by the DTI comprises a balanced and integrated package of investment in roads, public transport and traffic management combined with a strengthened policy of traffic and parking restraint including more effective enforcement.

In so far as public transport services are concerned, the DTI has recommended the following major improvements: the development of a three line core light rail network; the implementation of a quality bus network; extension of the DART to Greystones and possibly to Malahide and upgrading of the existing DART system including certain stations; provision of secure park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network; an integrated ticketing system for all public transport services; and improved interchange facilities for buses and other public transport and off-street bus parking facilities in the city centre.

Provision has been made in the National Development Plan, which covers the period from 1994 to 1999, for EU co-financed expenditure of £220 million so as to enable substantial progress to be made on implementation of the public transport elements of the DTI strategy. 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 objective is to have two priority phases of the light rail network constructed in the period up to 1999 at an estimated cost, exclusive of any financing charges, of £200 million. In this context my Department, in conjunction with a high level project team in CIE, has for some time been engaged in detailed planning and preparatory work to advise on the optimum combination of light rail links recommended by the DTI to be constructed by 1999 on the basis of a number of criteria, including financial performance, congestion alleviation, ease of construction and environmental impact. All of the bodies involved in the planning and provision of transportation in the Dublin area are co-operating in this work which embraces all aspects of the light rail network.The provisional finding arising from this work is that links to Tallaght and Dundrum should be constructed during the period of the national plan and this position was noted and approved by the previous Government in October, 1994. It is anticipated that construction of the light rail network will begin next year.

The decision in relation to the priority phases to be constructed by 1999 does not imply any abandonment of the remaining phases of the basic network.

The remaining £20 million has been included in the National Development Plan for expenditure on other important public transport projects to which I referred. 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 recommended by the DTI 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 the level of funding available.

As regards the reference by Deputy Callely to extending hours of public transport in the Dublin area, these are matters falling within the day to day responsibilities of Bus Átha Cliath and Iarnród Éireann.