Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

John Bruton

Question:

322 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will request CIE to include an assessment of the possibility of opening a rail link to Dunboyne, County Meath in the investment plan for mainline and suburban rail networks which she has asked CIE to prepare for the post 1999 period. [1404/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

I have asked Córas Iompair Éireann to evaluate Dublin's suburban rail development needs. This study will form the basis for discussions with the European Commission on investment priorities and funding aspects. CIE hope to finalise it early this year.

While that study is addressing the specific requirements of the Dublin-Maynooth suburban rail service, it does not consider a rail link to Dunboyne, the provision of which was not recommended by the final report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative.

A spur off the Maynooth line to Dunboyne would give rise to particular difficulties and expense as the former alignment has been sold. Further consideration of this option is therefore more appropriate to the review and updating of the DTI Strategy, which is now being undertaken by the Dublin Transportation Office.