Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Priority Questions. - Light Rail Project.

Ivan Yates

Question:

55 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will clarify the Government's intentions in relation to transport infrastructural development in the Dublin area in view of the number of varying proposals for underground and overground light and heavy rail proposals emanating from different recent reports; if the budget set out in the national development plan is being adhered to; if it will be extended; if so, the total envisaged expenditure up to 2006 by the State; if the proposed underground route from Ranelagh to Blanchardstown is being approved; and, if so, the cost and the time schedule involved. [13318/00]

Mrs. O'Rourke

The public transport investment strategy for the greater Dublin area for the period 2000 to 2006 is set out in detail in the national development plan. Work is proceeding on the implementation of that strategy and, for example, tenders have already been issued for elements of the light rail project and the acquisition of low floor buses and additional railcars. The plan provides for a total investment of £1.6 billion, including a contingency provision of £500 million. The Dublin suburban rail strategic review has recently been finalised.

Mr. Yates

Will the Minister clarify the position once and for all? In the national development plan there was a contingency fund of £500 million for three projects – the Navan project, the airport project and the underground tunnel. Since then we have had the report by CIE and the new Mitsui metro proposals. Will the Minister outline in simple terms the projects to which she is committed and which she will fund? There is a huge list of projects but we do not know which are going ahead.

Mrs. O'Rourke

I have stated before that the Government will provide any additional resources required to implement the recommendations of those studies. The first priority, however, is to spend the £1.6 billion. There should be no doubt that the infrastructural committee, and the Cabinet, are committed to public transport. If any extra money is needed, it will be provided.

Mr. Yates

I have asked a specific question. Is the Government committed to the extension of the underground, which was originally proposed to run from St. Stephen's Green to Broadstone, to Ranelagh and Blanchardstown? There is utter confusion about the extent of the underground proposals.

Mrs. O'Rourke

There is no confusion except in the Deputy's mind.

Mr. Yates

In that case, the Minister should answer the question.

Mrs. O'Rourke

I accept that the Deputy is always confused. The Government took a decision two years ago to proceed with lines A and B, with the extension of line A to Connolly Station and line B to Sandyford Inn. We are now considering a proposal to mesh the projects which, if we accept it, would have to be considered by Europe.

Mr. Yates

Mesh? A mish mash, that is what there is. The Minister does not know what project is going ahead.

Mr. Stagg

It is a Chinese maze.

Mr. Yates

The Minister does not know – that is the answer. After three years she does not know what proposals the Government will accept. All there are at present are the two lines she took from us, the Dundrum and Sandymount lines.

Mrs. O'Rourke

The Deputy is so predictable and small minded.

Mr. Yates

An extra 1,000 cars a week are coming on to the roads. The Minister's legacy will be the worst traffic gridlock this city has ever seen.

An Ceann Comhairle

Question Time cannot be conducted in this manner.

Mrs. O'Rourke

The Deputy will be remembered as a person who does not know anything.