Vol. 403 No. 5
15 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the moneys which have been allocated by way of EC structural funding for rail transport; the infrastructure which is to be provided and the timescale for undertaking the works approved.
35 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will confirm statements made by the EC Commissioner, Mr. Bruce Millan, that funding was expressly included in the Structural Funds for a surface rail link to Clondalkin, Dublin 22; when it is intended to proceed with this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 35 together.
The Operational Programme on Peripherality contains proposals for EC aid of approximately £18 million for public transport, mainly in respect of rail projects.
The main projects included under the operational programme are as follows: (a) provision of a new commuter rail service from Clondalkin to the city centre, with eight new stations and feeder bus services to Tallaght, at a cost of £28.5 million; (b) upgrading of the commuter rail service from Maynooth to the city, involving the provision of four new stations, at a cost of £0.76 million. This project was completed earlier this year in advance of the finalisation of the operational programme; (c) construction of a new rail link to certain shipside container facilities at Dublin port, at a cost of £1.6 million; and (d) a number of improvements to the national rail network, with particular emphasis on improving facilities for the transport of goods by rail, at a cost of £5.2 million.
While it is acknowledged in the operational programme that the Clondalkin rail project meets the broad criteria for assistance from the ERDF, such aid has been made conditional on the outcome of a socio-economic cost-benefit analysis of the proposed investment. This examination will be undertaken shortly and it is expected that it will confirm the merits of proceedings with the project as a matter of urgency.
