Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2015
583. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the role of clean light rail transport in tackling carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3885/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully support the development of light rail projects in areas of appropriate existing or predicted population levels which have a sound business case and are affordable. I recognise the importance of light rail as part of a range of sustainable travel options in our efforts to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse emissions and mitigate against the impacts of climate change. However the development of any new project is subject to the availability of funding once the priority of maintaining existing assets to an appropriate standard is met.
Despite funding constraints the Luas Cross City, which is currently underway, was selected as a priority public transport project to be funded under the current capital plan. In creating a Luas network between the existing Green and Red lines the provision of Luas Cross City will be a critical element in reducing traffic congestion in Dublin City Centre. By reducing dependency on car travel it will also reduce CO2 and other greenhouse emissions.
A number of large public transport projects for the Dublin area are currently under review. These are covered by the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study, the updated business case for DART Underground and a preliminary Business Case for the BRT to Swords. This Study is examining all existing proposals (heavy rail, metro, Luas extensions) as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area’s needs in the long term.
I will consider the outcome of all these reports having regard to the costs and benefits of each project and to available Exchequer funding as well as other possible sources of funds. I expect to finalise this review by mid-2015.
