Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 4

Written Answers. - Railway Stations.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

68 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if it is her policy that suburban rail systems being developed should service the maximum number of people on the rail route and areas with high unemployment and low income profiles; if she will inquire with Córas Iompar Éireann as to the reason it has not included Inchicore/Ballyfermot for a rail stop on the new main line from Dublin to Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18191/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

My overall approach to State-funded rail investment in the greater Dublin area is to exploit more fully the potential for the development of the suburban rail network. Clearly low income households depend significantly on public transport and, therefore, decisions on investment take account of this.

Individual decisions about rail stops on existing suburban lines are a matter for Iarnród Éireann which is required to operate its services as efficiently as possible within the annual subvention provided by the Exchequer. The Dublin Transportation Office's strategy, A Platform for Change, includes rail stops at Ballyfermot and Inchicore. The Luas line between Tallaght and the city centre planned for 2003 will also service part of Ballyfermot and Inchicore. Furthermore, the DTO strategy recommends a Luas line from Lucan to Docklands via Ballyfermot to be constructed in the period between 2006 and 2010. This would interchange with the suburban rail line at Ballyfermot.