Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:26 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will outline the plans, if any, he has for the development of the commuter rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Commuter Rail Services.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:43 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will undertake to include environmentally friendly tramways or light rail in the Dublin area in his current urban transportation programme.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 43 together.
Investment plans for public transport in Dublin include proposals for extensive commuter diesel rail services to the western suburbs.
More specifically, the Maynooth line has already been upgraded by the addition of four new stations at Confey — Leixlip — Coolmine, Castleknock and Broombridge and the project has been included for EC assistance in the operational programme for peripherality.
Proposals for a commuter rail service from Clondalkin to Connolly Station involving the provision of eight new stations and a feeder bus service to Tallaght are also under consideration. The new stations would be located at Clondalkin, Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, Inchicore, the Phoenix Park, Cabra and Drumcondra, as well as a new suburban station at Heuston. This project has also been included in the operational programme for peripherality. Assistance from the programme has been made conditional on the outcome of a socio-economic cost benefit analysis of the proposed investment. This examination is under way and it is expected that it will confirm the merits of proceeding with the Clondalkin project as a matter of urgency.
I am also looking at other options for meeting the public transport needs of Dublin and in this connection I have established a working group to assess and report on the feasibility of rail and busway options for public transport on the site of the former Harcourt Street railway line and to the Tallaght area. I understand that the group is looking at a number of proposals, including the development of light rail and the provision of a special busway system. I expect to receive the report of the group within a matter of months.
More generally, as part of the strategic planning process for the development of public transport services for the Dublin area into the next century, my Department will continue to evaluate all investment options, including environmentally friendly transport systems.