Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 3

Written Answers. - Connolly-Maynooth Railway Line.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

234 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has to provide funding to enable the upgrading of the Connolly-Maynooth rail-line by providing a double track between Clonsilla Station and Maynooth in view of the serious restrictions on this line and the consequent constraints on the forward planning of Iarnród Éireann regarding this service, which includes improvements to Clonsilla Station and the provision of additional rolling stock. [9457/96]

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

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 including doubling the track from Clonsilla to Maynooth. The investment is being considered as part of the proposals for development of the mainline rail network with European Union assistance under the Cohesion Fund. Earlier this year I approved the allocation of funding under the Operational Programme for Transport 1994 to 1999 for a package of investment in DART and other suburban rail services. This included the reopening of Drumcondra station on the Maynooth line at a cost of approximately £1 million.