Vol. 404 No. 1
369 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will outline the proposals for a commuter rail service from Connolly Station to Clondalkin, Dublin; the number of stations and their location; the time scale involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The proposal for a new commuter rail service from Clondalkin to Connolly Station involves the construction of eight new stations, the upgrading of signalling, the provision of new rolling stock and a feeder bus service from Clondalkin station to Tallaght. The new stations would be located at Clondalkin, Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, Inchicore, a new Heuston suburban station, the Phoenix Park, Cabra and Drumcondra.
It is estimated that the project would take about two years to complete from the date of commencement of work and would cost about £28.5 million.
This project has been included in the operational programme on peripherality (roads and other transport infrastructure) which sets out the projects to be aided under the European Regional Development Fund in the period to 1993. However, the availability of EC aid for the project 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 proceeding with the project as a matter of urgency.
