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Public Transport Initiatives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 November 2015

Wednesday, 11 November 2015

Questions (16)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

16. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public transport alternatives being considered for the North Kildare region; the rail options that will be prioritised to alleviate the commuter congestion on the existing roads network; his views that without such investment, in tandem with essential motorway and dual carriageway upgrade works at Naas, in County Kildare, such road upgrades will be at maximum capacity, once they are built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39243/15]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), recently published a draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area for the period 2016-2035. The draft strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA for the next two decades, including along two transport corridors serving North Kildare. The draft strategy is currently open for public consultation.

The long term strategy includes proposals for the expansion of Dart services to Celbridge/Hazelhatch and other measures along the Kildare corridors. Delivery of projects prioritised in the final GDA Strategy will be dependent on the availability of funding under the next capital plan post-2022, including from non-Exchequer sources. 

As regards short term priority measures for commuters in North Kildare, the Phoenix Park Tunnel project which will cost approx. €13 million will be completed in late 2016. The project will see commuters on the Kildare to Dublin Heuston line have the option of direct trains to Connolly, Tara St, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations from late 2016.  The new rail services will provide an attractive alternative for private motorists who currently commute into the city from Kildare along the busy N7 and N4 road corridors.

Funding of €300,000 is also being provided this year for the construction of a public transport hub on Naas Main Street - Dublin Road corridor, to encompass redesigned bus stopping areas, new bus shelter, real time passenger information signs, seating, planting, cycle stands, transport/tourism information panels, paving and street furniture improvements.

These short term measures will complement the major new roads projects for  North Kildare, as recently announced under the new Capital Plan, namely  Naas-Newbridge bypass widening on the M7 and the construction of the Sallins bypass.

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