Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
262. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the DART underground project; his future plans in relation to this project; if any developments are expected in the coming months to advance the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11786/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the reduction in funding available for transport projects arising from the difficult economic situation, the DART Underground Tunnel project has been postponed for consideration in advance of the next capital programme which will cover the period from 2016 onwards. DART Underground remains a key element of the overall transport integration strategy as it would deliver a quantum improvement in rail accessibility to the city centre with benefits for each of the four mainline rail corridors radiating from the city centre.
DART Underground is currently part of the Trans European Network (TEN-T) Belfast-Dublin-Cork Priority Project. I have sought its inclusion in the updated Core Ten-T Network currently under discussion and have also proposed that it be designated part of a specific Core Corridor under the Regulations governing the next round of Ten-T funding for the period 2014 -2020. This means that if the Dart Underground project or elements of the overall programme are included in the next capital programme they will be eligible for some limited co-funding under Ten -T.
