Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the degree to which she has studied the various alternative transport requirements required to serve Dublin and the surrounding counties; her proposals for the provision of extra underground services; if she anticipates enhanced Luas, DART or other alternatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4818/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The Dublin Transportation Office's transport strategy A Platform for Change, forms the framework for the future development of the transport network in the greater Dublin area up to 2016.

The Platform for Change strategy takes account of other transport studies, including the Dublin suburban strategic rail review, the bus network strategy appraisal for the greater Dublin area, the national roads needs study, the eastern by-pass strategic study, and complements the strategic land use planning framework set out in the strategic planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area.

The strategy proposes an integrated public transport network comprising the following principal components: an improved DART-suburban rail network; an extension of the on-street light rail network, Luas; an interconnector tunnel between Heuston Station and the Docklands and other new rail lines; the development of a higher capacity segregated light rail network, METRO which is in tunnel at various stages; and a much expanded bus network.

Substantial progress has been made and continues to be made on all of the above components.

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 50.

Question No. 142 answered with Question No. 55.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if an enhancement or improvement of bus services on the various routes through north County Kildare is anticipated with a view to meeting growing demands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4821/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Bus Éireann has taken delivery of 218 new buses to date under the national development plan. The purchase of these new buses has led to a very substantial improvement in services both in provincial cities and the greater Dublin area. Peak capacity has been increased by at least 50% on all main corridors into Dublin.

Commuters from the north Kildare area are benefiting from these enhanced services provided by Bus Éireann, with an increase in scheduled departures. For example, on the Edenderry-Clane-Dublin route, the number of departures has increased from six in 1999 to 20 today. There is also a 200% increase in departures on the Mullingar-Kilcock-Dublin route. High capacity commuter coaches are serving all these routes together with the Naas-Newbridge route.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 138.

Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 60.