Vol. 554 No. 5
1282 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out a further investigation into the possibility of upgrading the existing underground tunnel network in Dublin city in order that it could be the central axis of an underground system, which could be utilised for commuter traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16699/02]
The Dublin Transportation Office strategy for transport in the Greater Dublin Area for 2000 to 2016, A Platform for Change, is an integrated strategy comprising the upgrading of existing suburban services, the development of a light rail system as well as a metro system. The construction of an interconnector tunnel from Heuston Station via Pearse Station and the docklands to connect to the Maynooth and northern lines forms part of the proposals to bring rail services through the city centre.
Iarnród Éireann advises that it would not be possible, at present, to route additional services via the tunnel without restricting existing services at Connolly Station as the Phoenix Park tunnel is very limited in capacity and there are also track capacity constraints at Connolly Station. Iarnród Éireann recently commissioned a detailed study to look at this issue with €1 million in funding provided by the Exchequer under the national development plan. This study will also look at the long-term potential offered by the Phoenix Park tunnel.
