Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2006
517 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed new rail station in Dublin’s dockland will allow for interconnectivity between the existing fixed line rail service and the proposed Luas extension to the docklands; the distance between the new station and the terminus of the Luas line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11027/06]
View answerOn 9 March 2006, I announced the commencement of construction of the new docklands rail station. The station will be constructed at a location north of Sheriff Street, adjacent to the east side of the Royal Canal. The station, when operational at end 2007, will cater for additional commuter services on the Maynooth line and, critically, will cater for all services on the proposed Dunboyne spur, due for completion in 2009. The station will be conveniently accessed from the stop at Spencer Dock on the proposed Luas line extension from Connolly Station. The distance from the new station to the nearest stop on the proposed Luas extension, Spencer Dock, is approximately 350 metres. The final stop on the proposed new Luas line will be at the Point Depot, which will be approximately 850 metres from the new Iarnród Éireann station.
The Railway Procurement Agency has submitted a railway order application for this Luas extension and I have appointed an inspector to conduct a public inquiry into that application. Given that a major focus of Transport 21 is the integration of services of various modes, I understand that Iarnrod Eireann and the RPS are in discussion to ensure optimum integration between Luas and commuter rail services.
518 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if a tender has already been awarded for the new Spencer Dock city centre train station in view of the announcement of the cost of the project at €28 million; and the construction timeframe which has been agreed. [11052/06]
View answerI understand from Iarnród Éireann that the tender process for construction of the station has commenced, with a view to beginning construction immediately on receipt of planning permission. The planned construction period is anticipated to be nine months, with the station to be completed by end of March 2007, subject to planning permission being granted in June 2006.
519 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the inspector’s report on the public inquiry into the Kildare route project. [11053/06]
View answerThe public inquiry into the Kildare route project was held between 24 January and 2 February 2006. I have not yet received the inspector's report of the inquiry. It is a matter for the inspector as to when he completes and submits his report. I will make a decision on the granting of the railway order after I receive the inspector's report and consider its findings.
520 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the city centre resignalling project to see if it can be brought forward in view of the moving forward of the Spencer Dock train station project. [11054/06]
View answerThe city centre resignalling project, to be funded under Transport 21, is intended to give Irish Rail flexibility to increase frequencies on the Dublin suburban rail network. By upgrading the signalling system, the project will deliver additional train paths per direction per hour in the critical city centre area. Funding has already been provided to Irish Rail to establish a project design office and to carry out preliminary planning and design work necessary to progress the project.
I understand from Irish Rail that the preliminary design work is under way and I expect to receive proposals on the resignalling project later in 2006. The project is due to be completed in 2009. It is expected that construction on the Docklands station will be completed and open for services by the end of next year. This project is not dependent on the resignalling project.
