Rail Network.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 May 2004

Tuesday, 4 May 2004

Questions (88)

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

84 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his views on Iarnród Éireann proposals for a new integrated greater Dublin commuter rail system, involving the construction of two new DART lines; his views on whether such proposals have the potential to ease congestion on existing rail services; if he has received such proposals from Iarnród Éireann; if Iarnród Éireann has supplied an estimated cost or timeframe for construction of the new rail system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12497/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Irish Rail has developed proposals for an integrated rail network for the greater Dublin area for the period up to 2010. The proposals have a preliminary outline cost of implementation of €3 billion. The proposals are being discussed between my Department and the company at present in the context of: the overall capital envelope available for public transport over the coming years; the priorities in the DTO strategy, Platform for Change, and the regional planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area; and the need to achieve a modal shift in favour of public transport so as to tackle congestion. My Department is also discussing priorities for public transport with the other State agencies involved and I expect that this exercise will be concluded shortly.