Vol. 525 No. 2
273 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will clarify the status of the proposed rail stations at Lucan South and Lucan North, County Dublin in the context of a platform for change in view of the fact that both stations were originally considered as part of the suburban rail network and having regard to con fusion caused by differing media interpretations of the recently announced proposals. [24193/00]
The National Development Plan 2000-2006 makes provision for a short-term strategy for the development of suburban rail in the greater Dublin area. The short-term strategy is focused on maximising the use that can be made of the existing suburban rail network. The programme includes the provision of new stations along the network, including one at Lucan South and Lucan North.
The Dublin Suburban Rail Strategic Review, commissioned by CIE in 1999, and which was completed earlier this year, also confirmed that the provision of a new station at Lucan south should be pursued.
Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that the proposed new station will be incorporated as part of the overall plan to develop the track between Heuston and Sallins. Consultants are currently engaged in a detailed design of this project. The company has also confirmed that discussions are ongoing with South Dublin County Council and the Dublin Transportation Office regarding location of the station and facilities to be provided. The timescale for the development of the station will be dictated by the track project. At this stage it is anticipated that this project will be completed by 2004.
The Dublin suburban rail strategic review also concluded that a station at Lucan north should be considered for the medium term.
