Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dublin Suburban Rail Line.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

585 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has received a submission from Leixlip Town Commission and the community councils of Dublin 15, Maynooth and Kilcock, regarding the western suburban rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1083/96]

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

I have received a copy of the submission prepared for Leixlip Town Commissioners and the community councils of Dublin 15, Maynooth and Kilcock concerning the upgrading of the Maynooth rail service.

The Government has decided that the transport strategy recommended in the final report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative will provide the general policy framework for the future development of the transport system in the greater Dublin area. The DTI strategy recommended the development of the existing rail service to Maynooth particularly by improving the frequency of services — principally through doubling the track from Clonsilla to Maynooth — and the quality of rolling stock at an estimated total cost of £9.4 million.

As CIE is responsible for the preparation of proposals for the upgrading of rail services, I have forwarded a copy of the submission to it for consideration.

CIE has already submitted proposals to my Department for the upgrading of some stations on the Dublin suburban rail network, including the Maynooth line, for possible EU assistance under the Operational Programme for Transport 1994 to 1999. The company's proposals are being examined in detail at present.