asked the Minister for Communications the amount to date of capitalised interest charges on the Howth/Bray electrification scheme, Dublin; and the total amount of capitalised interest charges estimated for the final total cost.
Written Answers. - Howth/Bray Electrification Scheme.
38.
Interest charges were capitalised on the Howth/Bray electrification project up to 30 June 1984; it is estimated that capitalised interest charges up to that date amounted to £27.5 million.
39.
asked the Minister for Communications the total amounts received from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Investment Bank for the Howth-Bray electrification project up to 31 December 1983; and the estimated funds available from both sources in 1984.
The amount received from the European Regional Development Fund in respect of the Howth-Bray scheme up to 31 December 1983 was £10.7 million; a further £0.3 million was received in 1984; and a final £0.3 million will be received from the fund in early 1985. The amount borrowed from the European Investment Bank in respect of the scheme up to 31 December 1983 was £54.4 million; no further amounts are receiveable from the bank.
40.
asked the Minister for Communications if he will explain in detail the reason the extension of the Howth/Bray electrification scheme to Greystones cannot be justified on either financial or social grounds; and if his refusal of the extension is final.
The decision not to extend the electrification to Greystones was taken by my predecessor in the Fianna Fáil Government (Mr. John Wilson). Following representations I met deputations on this subject and listened to the case put attentively. I undertook a detailed analysis of all the factors before I endorsed my predecessor's decision.
The extension would cost in excess of £9 million, and would give rise to additional losses on the rail line of the order of £1.5 million annually. In my view these costs could not be justified, particularly in the current financial climate, and in view of the fact that adequate public transport services will continue to be provided to Greystones. I have no plans to review the matter.