Damien English
Question:107 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport his plans for rail development in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13720/03]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
I will outline the rail service development projects in the greater Dublin area that are being implemented or have been approved for implementation. The construction of the Luas is well advanced and it is expected that services will commence next year. Phase 1 of the Dublin area suburban enhancement programme – DASH – is under way to allow for the increase in train lengths on the DART network from six to eight car lengths. The work involves lengthening platforms at many stations, the purchase of an additional 40 DART cars and upgrading the power supply. This work is due for completion in 2005. Phase 2 of the DASH project will involve upgrading the signalling system to allow for more train paths through the bottlenecks at Connolly Station and the loop line to Pearse Station. This work is due for completion in 2007.
Iarnród Éireann states that the placing into service of 80 new diesel rail cars this year will allow for increases in capacity at peak times on lines into Dublin as follows: northern line, 43%; Arklow-Dublin, 30%; Maynooth line, 24%; and Kildare line, 130%. The design and planning of the Kildare route project is being undertaken by Irish Rail. New commuter stations along the line will form part of the overall project. The current estimated time of delivery of the project on the basis of phased implementation is 2007. The outline business case for the metro, submitted to me by the Railway Procurement Agency, is being evaluated at present and I will bring a proposal to the Government in relation to this matter in the near future.
Liz McManus
Question:108 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion made by the rail lobby group, Platform 11, that it would be a more practical and immediate solution to integrating rail transport in Dublin of the development of the existing rail route under the Phoenix Park, rather than building an inter-connector rail tunnel; his views on this suggestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13678/03]
The tunnel under the Phoenix Park, linking Heuston Station and Connolly Station, is used for unscheduled and occasional services such as GAA matches. The main constraint on its use for scheduled services is the track work and signalling at Connolly Station and between Connolly Station and Pearse Station. The system is running at full capacity at present. I am informed by Irish Rail that it would not be possible to accommodate additional services through the tunnel from the west side of Dublin without restricting existing services, except on the limited number of occasions outside peak times that I have already mentioned. Increasing the capacity of the signalling system in and around Connolly Station forms part of the programme of enhancing the Dublin area suburban railway system, DASH. Irish Rail informs me this work will be undertaken in Phase II of the project, commencing in early 2005. Irish Rail is undertaking a separate feasibility study on the proposed interconnector tunnel proposed by the Dublin Transportation Office in its strategy, Platform for Change, and in this regard I have asked the company to re-examine the case for the more extensive use of the Phoenix Park tunnel.
Questions Nos. 109 and 110 answered with Question No. 104.