Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2015
630. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Irish Rail proposal to connect Dublin Airport to Cork and Galway by rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4736/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area. Under this remit the NTA has commissioned the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study to examine all existing proposals (heavy rail, metro, Luas extensions) as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the needs of the Swords/Dublin Airport to City Centre corridor in the long term.
In relation to the recent comments from the CEO of Iarnród Éireann regarding a new rail link to Dublin airport, I have stated that of the six options currently under consideration by the NTA, two of these are heavy rail links. In addition, I have acknowledged that it is right that Iarnród Éireann should plan for the future.
However, I have also noted that their proposal is looking beyond the timeframe of the current reviews. I have not yet made a decision regarding a link between the city centre and Dublin airport, yet alone beyond that timeframe.
