My Department, in consultation with the relevant State agencies, is examining the best options for providing effective public transport services to the developing and expanding parts of the greater Dublin area, GDA. The future development of public transport in the GDA is based on expanding the bus and rail networks.
There are a number of major projects underway or planned: (1) the DART is currently being upgraded and when the expanded service opens at the end of 2005, a further 30% increase in capacity will be provided; (2) 36 new diesel railcars are being manufactured for delivery in late 2005 which will be used on commuter lines; (3) Irish Rail is looking at a rail spur off the Maynooth line to Dunboyne and providing four tracks on the Kildare line — in addition, new stations along these lines are planned; and (4) Luas services will commence on the Sandyford line at the end of June and on the Tallaght line at the end of August. In addition, there are a significant number of quality bus corridor projects underway or planned over the coming year or so, designed to improve the operating environment for buses.
Other projects being considered include further extensions to Luas to the Docklands and to Cherrywood and a metro from the city centre to the airport.