Written Answers Nos. 177-184
177. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made on the Phoenix Park tunnel; the amount of funding that has been spent on the project to date; the amount of funding that will be provided to progress the Phoenix Park tunnel in budget 2017; when the current stage is expected to be completed; and when he expects the construction phase to commence. [32309/16]
View answerThe Phoenix Park Tunnel project will facilitate the operation of direct train services from the Kildare line into Connolly, Tara, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations. The project falls under the remit of the NTA which has responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area. I am advised by the NTA that the physical works to upgrade the tunnel have been largely completed and the total capital cost of the project is approximately €13.5 million. Funding in respect of the operation of the services will be made available under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts in place between Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The service commencement date is a matter for discussion and agreement between the NTA and Iarnród Éireann.
178. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are issues with a lack of capacity on the DART to meet demand during peak-hour commuting periods; and if there are any plans to increase the capacity to meet unmet demand. [32310/16]
View answer179. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are issues with a lack of capacity on the Dublin northern commuter rail service to meet demand during peak hour commuting periods; and if there are any plans to increase the capacity to meet unmet demand. [32311/16]
View answer180. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are issues with a lack of capacity on the Dublin to Portlaoise commuter service rail service to meet demand during peak hour commuting periods; and if there are any plans to increase the capacity to meet unmet demand. [32312/16]
View answer181. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are issues with a lack of capacity on the Dublin to Longford commuter rail service to meet demand during peak hour commuting periods; and if there are any plans to increase the capacity to meet unmet demand. [32313/16]
View answer182. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are issues with a lack of capacity on the commuter rail service between Dublin, Dunboyne and the M3 parkway to meet demand during peak hour commuting periods; and if there are any plans to increase the capacity to meet unmet demand. [32314/16]
View answer183. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are issues with a lack of capacity on the Dublin southern commuter rail service to meet demand during peak hour commuting periods; and if there are any plans to increase the capacity to meet unmet demand. [32316/16]
View answer184. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are issues with a lack of capacity on the commuter rail services between Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton to meet demand during peak hour commuting periods; and if there are any plans to increase the capacity to meet unmet demand. [32317/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 to 184, inclusive together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport outlines a number of key principles for land transport investment proposals. Included among these principles is the need to maintain and renew strategically important elements of the existing network, as well as the need to address current and future congestion in urban areas through for example improving public transport capacity.
There are a number of capacity enhancements planned or underway across our commuter rail network. These include the completion of the Dublin City Centre Resignalling Project, the introduction of 10-minute DART services and the introduction of additional services on the Kildare Commuter line to utilise the newly reopened Phoenix Park tunnel and bring passengers into the heart of the city. All of these capacity enhancements have been facilitated by Exchequer funding and the recently announced Budget 2017 ensures further funding is available to support these developments as they are rolled out.
In relation to the specific issues raised by the Deputy in respect of particular services, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the National Transport Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
