Vol. 482 No. 6
92 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current work programme of the design team examining the Light Rail Transit for the northside of Dublin, including Finglas, Drumcondra and Ballymun and the additional link from Ballymun to the Airport; the time frame within which different elements of the programme will be completed; and when the results of the work will be made public. [18533/97]
93 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current status, if any, of proposals to provide a standard rail link to Dublin Airport; whether this is being developed as a proposal which is complimentary to a Light Rail Transit connection to the Airport as envisaged in the Dublin Transport Initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18534/97]
97 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when a rail-line link to Dublin Airport will be established; and the way in which this will be provided. [18539/97]
140 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the concept of a rail link from the existing network to Dublin Airport; and the steps, if any, being taken to develop this link. [18594/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 93, 97 and 140 together.
The CIÉ light rail project team has identified strategic options for the route between the city centre and Ballymun. Further work to provide additional information on these options is now being carried out. The light rail project team's efforts will be concentrated to the north of the inner city pending completion of underground study. The project team hopes to be in a position to initiate the public consultation process in late spring next year when it will be able to take account of the conclusions of the underground study.
In the context of the planning and design of the Ballymun route options CIÉ are also examining a possible extension of the proposed Ballymun light rail line to the airport.
Apart from an extension of the Ballymun light rail line to Dublin Airport, DTI recommended that a conventional rail link, but not necessarily a DART type system, from Dublin Airport to the Dublin-Belfast railway line be evaluated as a longer term option. CIÉ and Aer Rianta are considering this proposal. As part of the work being undertaken by the light rail project team and CIÉ/Aer Rianta, the inter-relationship between the light rail and heavy rail links to Dublin Airport is being considered, having regard to the DTI conclusions.
