Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
416 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the routes which are being considered regarding Luas extensions; and the discussions which have been held between his Department officials, Luas and officials form the various Dublin local authorities to plan the future development of the light rail system in the city. [30257/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, is developing proposals for a number of extensions to the Luas network. Proposals for the development of public transport in the greater Dublin area, including Luas, are being considered by my Department as part of its preparatory work on the ten-year transport investment framework. In this connection, there have been consultations with relevant bodies, including the bodies referred to by the Deputy.
417 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport if phase 1 of the DASH or DART upgrade project has come in over or under-budget; if he will provide the financial figures for the project; and his plans to improve the frequency of the service by commencing phase 2 of the project. [30447/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from Iarnród Éireann that the DART upgrade project is nearing successful completion. The budget for the project is €176 million and the company's forecast outturn is estimated at €165 million. The completion of the project allows Iarnród Éireann to operate eight-car trains on the entire DART network.
The next project designed to increase the capacity of the DART, is a resignalling upgrade that will allow for an increase in train frequency from 12 to 16 trains per hour in the city centre area. This project is at planning and design stage and I expect Iarnród Éireann to put specific proposals to my Department shortly.
