Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 February 2014
238. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the current status of the DART underground and metro north projects; his views on whether bus rapid transit would provide a cheaper and more effective transport link to the airport instead of metro north; his views on whether expanding the DART to Dublin Airport is a viable project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7131/14]
View answer239. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consultancy costs to the National Transport Authority in reviewing the bus rapid transit options for transport in Dublin; the total spend on consultancy fees by NTA since January 2012 by project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7132/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.
Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 a decision was taken to defer the Metro North and DART Underground and a number of other projects which were not affordable. These projects were not therefore included for funding in the Government's 5-year plan Infrastructural and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium term Exchequer Framework. It was made clear at the time that these projects would be reviewed again in preparation for the next capital plan post-2016.
Preparation for the next capital plan will be informed by work underway such as the Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport (SFILT) which is being developed in my Department and the technical consultancy proposed by the National Transport authority (NTA) to assess the long term rail transport requirements of the North Dublin/Fingal corridor, extending from Finglas to Malahide and including Dublin Airport and Swords. This review will examine existing proposals as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area's needs in the long term. The specific projects identified to meet current and future demand will be prioritised for inclusion in the next capital plan on the basis of a detailed appraisal with regard to their benefits and costs.
In relation to BRT projects the NTA has proposed a BRT Scheme as an interim solution to the short term demand needs of the Swords/Airport corridor. In the initial planning work carried out by the NTA for the BRT scheme, it was identified that the proposed scheme would not be sufficient on its own to cater for projected transport demand along this corridor in the longer term, and that a higher capacity solution, most likely rail based, would be required in the medium to long-term.
Under the current capital plan funding is only available for the initial design and route selection of a small number of BRT schemes. These schemes, of which Swords/Airport has been identified as a priority, will be included for consideration with other projects in deciding on priorities for the capital plan post 2016. I understand that the NTA is shortly to commence a public consultation process on BRT.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed response with regard to consultancy costs for BRT. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
