I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 38 and 44 together.
Iarnród Éireann has submitted a business case to my Department for the development of a greater Dublin integrated rail network aimed at meeting the projected demand for rail services into the future. Included in the business case are proposals to: construct a new rail station in the city centre; provide an interconnector tunnel linking Heuston to the docklands; provide a spur off the Maynooth line to the N3 beyond Dunboyne; and expand the capacity of the DART.
These proposals are being considered in the context of the multi-annual capital investment framework for transport, which is being prepared by my Department. When the framework has been approved by the Government, the implementing agencies will begin more detailed planning and analysis of the individual projects, including cost estimates and timescales.
I understand that, mainly for health and environmental reasons, it is not proposed to operate diesel trains in the interconnector tunnel.
As regards the DART, the signalling system in place at the present time means that the track between Connolly and Pearse Stations is limited to 12 train paths per hour. I expect to receive from Iarnród Éireann shortly proposals to upgrade the signalling system, which will increase the maximum number of trainpaths on this section of track to 16 per hour. In the longer term, the proposed interconnector tunnel will provide a direct connection between the northern and south western lines, facilitate a substantial increase in the overall capacity of the suburban network and address the capacity constraints in the city centre.