Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
143. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 September 2021, the 22 stations that will have their lifts upgraded by the end of 2021; the start and end dates of these works in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48162/21]
View answer144. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 September 2021, the 52 stations that are set for major investment up to 2024; the form this investment will take in each instance; the start and end dates of these works in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48163/21]
View answer145. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 September 2021, the full list of DART and commuter stations currently using the lift call system in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48164/21]
View answer146. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 September 2021, the 15 DART and commuter stations that will introduce the lift call system in 2021; when the system will be introduced in each station in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48165/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 146, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. Irish Rail has developed a 5-year programme, involving upgrades, renewals and improved maintenance strategies for its lifts and escalators which will provide direct benefits to customers through improved reliability and availability of lifts and escalator assets. Subject to funding, lifts in 52 stations across the rail network are earmarked for investment up to 2024. The intent of this programme is to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition, to ensure the reliability and availability of lift access.
In 2020 the National Transport Authority (NTA) established a rail lift refurbishment/replacement programme, under the Capital Programme, with a €3.3m ring fenced allocation. A major part of the programme in 2020 was the upgrading of lifts at 12 stations in the Dublin Suburban area. For 2021, €3.84m was originally ring-fenced by the NTA from the Capital Programme to the Lift and Escalator Renewal Programme. An additional €2m was allocated to the Programme in November 2020, as part of Budget 2021, bringing the total allocated to the Lifts and Escalator Renewal Programme to €5.84m this year. The additional allocation will enable the acceleration of the delivery of the 5-year programme.
I have also referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct reply in relation to the specific stations mentioned. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
