Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 5

Written Answers. - Light Rail Service to Airport.

Ivor Callely

Question:

53 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will support the need for the development of a light rail or DART to the airport in view of the estimated 8.7 million passengers that will travel through Dublin Airport in 1996 and other commuters to the airport; the timescale involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4948/96]

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

The Government decided last year 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 core light rail network recommended by DTI provides for lines to Tallaght, Cabinteely, via the Harcourt Street line, and Ballymun. A fourth light rail line to Finglas, via the old Broadstone railway line, and an extension of the Ballymun line to Dublin airport and Swords have been recommended by DTI for implementation once the core light rail lines to Tallaght, Cabinteely and Ballymun have been constructed.

Apart from the proposed extension of the Ballymun light rail line to Dublin airport, DTI also recommended that a conventional rail link, but not necessarily a DART type system, from Dublin airport to the Dublin-Belfast railway line should be evaluated as a longer term option. This recommendation by DTI took a longer term strategic view of the role and importance of Dublin airport and was not seen as impacting on the proposed light rail extension to the airport as both would serve different markets.

These proposals will be considered in due course as part of the Government's ongoing commitment to the implementation of the DTI strategy.