Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2004
200 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport the position in regard to his Department's consideration of proposals submitted by Irish Rail for an integrated commuter rail plan for the greater Dublin area, including the construction of a spur to Dublin Airport from the existing DART line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2121/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has had discussions with Irish Rail in relation to its proposals for the integration of commuter rail in the Dublin area which was submitted in November 2003. The company proposes that the various elements of the overall plan will be introduced on an incremental basis, consistent with the availability of funds, up to 2010. Already some of the proposals such as phase 1 of the DART upgrade, preparatory work for the upgrade of the Kildare route and the new rolling stock acquisition programme are well under way.
Other elements such as phase 2 of the DART upgrade project have been sanctioned and will be implemented in due course. The suggested DART spur to Dublin Airport contained within the proposals is being considered within the overall context of providing a rail link from the city centre to the airport.
