asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he supports the provision of a rapid rail transit system to serve Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Rapid Rail Transit System.
83.
As explained previously in this House, the Government decided in July 1987 that proposals for the extension of DART should not be proceeded with, because of the costs of such extension and the state of the public finances. CIE were accordingly instructed to prepare transport investment plans for the Dublin area involving bus-based options and diesel services on existing rail lines.
The investment plans which have since been submitted by the chairman of CIE contain a number of proposals designed to improve public transport services for the residents of Tallaght, including feeder bus services from Tallaght to the proposed diesel rail commuter service from Clondalkin to the city, the extension of the Tallaght localink bus services and the inclusion of Tallaght in the proposed new peripheral bus routes. These proposals have been included in the National Development Plan 1989-1993 submitted to the European Commission for consideration for assistance from EC Structural Funds.
I am most anxious to secure the provision of better transport facilities for Tallaght and I believe that the implementation of the CIE proposals would bring about significant improvements. I will, therefore, be pressing vigorously for the necessary financial allocations to ensure that these proposals go ahead as quickly as possible.