Vol. 485 No. 2
58 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has to improve public transport in Dublin and surrounding areas pending the development of Luas in view of the deteriorating traffic situation and the dissatisfaction among commuters with the current level of public transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22724/97]
The light rail project is only one element of the public transport strategy recommended by the DTI. The proposed light rail system will only account for three of the 17 public transport corridors in the city, the others being 11 quality bus corridors and three DART-suburban rail corridors.
There is a considerable amount of other important work currently in progress to improve Dublin's existing public transport network, thereby contributing towards easing chronic traffic congestion. Bus services are the backbone of the existing public transport network and will remain so notwithstanding the development of light rail. Implementation of quality bus corridors, which is the responsibility of Bus Átha Cliath and the local authorities, is being pursued by them with the active support of the Dublin Transportation Office. Bus Átha Cliath is continuing to upgrade its bus fleet and to review its network to meet changing passenger demand.
A suburban rail development programme is also under way which is compatible with the DTI strategy and which will ensure the best use of existing rail assets. A major DART investment programme is now under way, including extensions to Greystones and Malahide, the acquisition of new rolling stock, the improvement of existing stations and development of new stations. New stations are planned on the Maynooth line and additional railcars are on order for the suburban rail network. A review by CIÉ of suburban rail investment for consideration in the context of securing EU funding post-1999 will be completed early in the new year.
