Vol. 454 No. 7
19 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will take into account the larger catchment population in the north County Dublin area, particularly the population between the north city and Malahide, compared to Greystones; and if he will make electrification of this line a priority in view of his announcement to electrify the less economically viable Greystones line. [11071/95]
The Final Report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative contains a strong commitment to an improved public transport system for the greater Dublin area with a view to giving existing public transport users a new deal and attracting motorists to public transport.
There are a series of important priority public transport projects for Dublin recommended by the DTI including the construction of the light rail system, upgrading of DART and suburban rail services, provision of an integrated ticketing system for public transport and implementation of a qualiity bus network.
In overall terms the expected cost of all of the projects recommended by the DTI would greatly exceed the level of funding available under the National Development Plan and the Operational Programme for Transport covering the period 1994 to 1999.
Pending further detailed evaluation of the position it is not possible for me to be more specific about the prospects for projects such as the extension of DART to Malahide. However, I am conscious that the project is an important component of the DTI Strategy for the development of public transport in Dublin in the medium-term.
