Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
11. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with discussions between the NTA and other agencies and a private developer in relation to privately developed transport infrastructure (details supplied). [43050/23]
View answerThis question relates to the discussions that have taken place between the public and private authorities in relation to the utilisation and cross-utilisation of the various services in order to bring about an improvement and convenience to the users.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to both antisocial behaviour and accessibility issues at Clongriffin DART station. As he is aware, Clongriffin station has suffered vandalism where the station's glass facades, on the elevation over the tracks, were shattered on a number of occasions. To address this a project has commenced by Iarnród Éireann, focused on reconstructing the facades. This project, which is being funded by the NTA, will remove the shattered glass panels and replace them with newly constructed block or stone walls and architecturally designed stainless steel panels. The glazed automatic doors will also be replaced. At a cost of roughly €1.3 million, works have already started and are due to be finished by the end of the year. I am pleased that this will allow the station to be fit for function, in what is an expanding residential DART location. Passengers will also benefit from upgraded station conditions and presentation, increasing security.
The current access from the Baldoyle side of the station consists of a stairwell and lift to the elevation over the tracks. I understand that there have been complaints about its condition. As a result, discussions are taking place between Iarnród Éireann and Richmond Homes Limited, which is currently responsible for the assets, in relation to their improvement and transfer to Iarnród Éireann. I hope that this issue can be finalised in the near future and the asset quality improved. I am also pleased to note that improved access to the station from the Baldoyle side is planned as part of the nearby development roll-out, which should further enhance the station. Overall, I am satisfied that these steps should provide for a notable improvement to the quality and accessibility of Clongriffin station in the near future.
I have a supplementary question. What is the Minister's opinion on the extent of the progress at this stage? Is it adequate to meet the obvious requirements? I ask him to comment on the utilisation of those areas that are in private ownership which could be utilised in co-operation with the public need to avail of every possible opportunity to improve the facilities at the station.
Earlier I was asked a question about Portmarnock DART station, which was very similar in this regard. I will say the same thing I said to Deputy Duncan Smith in responding earlier. There is a significant proposal in place. There is a 400-car car park that was closed during Covid and has not reopened, as I understand it. There are potential developments, including the development of an underground car park that is owned by a developer. I believe that one of the real benefits of transport-led development and development close to public transport stations is that you improve efficiencies very close to a good public transport location. The likes of Clongriffin DART station and other train and bus stations around the country offer real potential for development close to the stations. I hope that can be seen and delivered in Clongriffin quite quickly. As I said earlier in relation to Portmarnock DART station, the quality of the station is important. It must be a really attractive public realm in order that it becomes a very attractive place both to live and to travel to and from.
I ask the Minister to comment on the extent to which discussions are taking place, or have taken place, between the public and private sector actors, with a view to creating shorter journey times for commuters. The quicker a traveller gets from point A to point B at a station will hugely determine at what time that traveller gets to his or her workplace, as the case may be.
To conclude, I will repeat the response to the question I answered earlier regarding DART+, DART stations in the Kildare region and, similarly, the rest of the DART network. The quicker we deliver DART+, including increased capacity, better trains, and new DART trains, the better. The existing DART trains have served us well, but they are 40 years old, coming to the end of their natural life and very expensive to maintain. Part of the DART+ programme is about replacing the fleet and cascading old trains out. I think that will be delivered quite quickly in the next two years. That will be seen as a major step up in the service the Deputy is looking for.
We do not have time for the next full question. I know Deputy Donnelly's colleague wanted to come in on it, but there is very little time left. It is up to the Deputies.
