Rail Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Ceisteanna (320)

Dermot Fitzpatrick

Ceist:

422 Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport if, in relation to the railway line from Heuston Station to Connolly Station, he has been in discussions with Iarnród Éireann regarding the provision of passenger services on the line; if it is proposed to put a railway station on the old cattle bank at Cabra; if Iarnród Éireann intends to dispose of the remainder of the lands at the old cattle bank which are surplus to requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5911/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Iarnród Éireann has stated that there are severe signalling constraints in the area Connolly Station to Pearse Station which prevents the company from making more use of the line between Heuston and Connolly Stations for regular passenger services.

However the completion of the second phase of the DART upgrade programme in 2007, when extra train paths into Connolly Station become available, will provide an opportunity for greater use of the tunnel.

For the moment, Iarnród Éireann has no plans to open a station at the old cattle bank at Cabra and is in the process of examining the extent of land at the old cattle bank which it can declare surplus to its operational requirements.