Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the upgrading of commuter rail services with particular reference to frequency, capacity and the ability to meet the ever-increasing requirements in the commuter belts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36089/20]
View answer146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress in the programme to renew the rail transport sector with particular reference to meeting the needs of commuters and average users of the system in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36090/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
The Deputy is aware that the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future makes a strong commitment to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland. To deliver on this will require a whole-of-system perspective across all modes of transport – including active travel, bus, and rail.
As referenced in the Programme for Government there is a commitment to developing, and importantly implementing, transport strategies for all of the major cities, towns and regions. This move toward evidence-based, plan-led strategic infrastructure development is in line with international best practice, allows for better integration of transport planning and land-use planning and is the means to deliver real change in our major cities. Development of these transport strategies allows for full consideration of the potential for rail services in each metropolitan area.
As the Deputy is aware the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035 sets out a hugely ambitious programme of improvements to the DART network which is known as the DART+ Programme and will effectively double the capacity of the rail network in the GDA. In advance of that construction is underway on 41 new carriages for the existing GDA commuter fleet which will expand capacity by around 34% as compared to today.
In Galway, there are plans to redevelop Ceannt Station, construct new infrastructure around Oranmore Station, while a feasibility study is also currently underway in relation to improving infrastructure on the Athenry to Galway corridor.
In Cork, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was published earlier this year and proposes a significant expansion of the commuter rail network in the Cork metropolitan area. In 2021 these proposals will be further progressed with the development of an implementation study.
In Waterford Government announced this week funding to develop a new integrated transport hub on the North Quays which will include a relocated Plunkett Station, while in Limerick consultation on the draft Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy recently concluded and submissions are being considered by the NTA, a number of which I understand relate to the potential for expanded commuter rail.
In relation to intercity services, I can inform the Deputy following a recent Transport Sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, Minister Nichola Mallon, MLA, and I both agreed that our Departments should further develop draft terms of reference for a proposed study of rail speeds, to ensure the finalised terms of reference take sufficient cognisance of the need for balanced regional development.
I believe this study will allow for a full consideration of the strategic potential of rail, including the opportunities for high-/higher- speed rail where appropriate. This will be a significant study and my Department will work with the Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland to finalise the terms of reference to allow for the procurement process commence and I look forward to the commence of the study in due course.
