Vol. 521 No. 4
79 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the measures been taken for the provision of adequate capacity on the public transport system to meet the growing demand and to assist in relieving traffic congestion in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17507/00]
Significant investment in the greater Dublin area for the period 2000-06, aimed at meeting a growing demand for public transport and relieving congestion, is set out in the national development plan.
This includes: short-term suburban rail development, £185 million; surface element of Luas, £430 million; Dublin bus network development, £120 million; Dublin bus fleet replacement, £100 million; integration programme, £50 million; and demand management, £200 million.
The plan also provides for a contingency fund of £500 million for the underground element of Luas and the longer term development of the suburban rail system.
The national plan's public transport investment provisions for the greater Dublin area are in accordance with the recommendations of the DTO's Dublin Transportation Blueprint, 2000-2006.
81 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current capacity of DART services; if her attention has been drawn to the travel difficulties for passengers at peak travel times; the consideration such difficulties have been given; the proposals to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17509/00]
The current capacity of the DART service at peak travel time is 10,400. A programme of acquisition of new carriages is under way which will result in the fleet being steadily increased from the 80 carriages currently in service to 106 by 2001. Tendering for a further 12 for delivery in 2002 has been completed and tendering is under way for an additional 36.
