Written Answers Nos. 1-32
26. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the capital plan 2016-2021, specifically with regard to metro north, the DART extension and DART underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13997/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Capital Plan allocates just over €3.6 billion for investment in public transport for the period 2016 to 2022. Over this period, the level of annual funding for public transport investment will increase to more than €800m by 2022. This will facilitate a significant upgrade to the public transport system, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), so that it has the capacity to meet growing demand.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA. The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services over the next two decades.
The GDA Strategy proposes implementation of the new Metro North project. It also proposes implementation of the DART Expansion Programme including construction of the DART Underground Tunnel. The Government decided in September 2015 that the original proposal for the tunnel should be redesigned and work is underway on that at present.
The NTA is currently in the process of preparing an Implementation Plan for the delivery of the GDA strategy for the period 2017-2022. Key to implementation over this period is the capital funding that will be available for investment in public transport infrastructure over the period.
The Capital Plan includes funding for the new Metro North project to enable construction of the link to commence in 2021 with a view to delivery by 2026/2027. Due to continuing constraints on funding, not all of the elements of the DART Expansion Programme can be progressed during the lifetime of the Capital Plan. Funding has been allocated for the extension of the DART to Balbriggan and for work on the redesign of the tunnel.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government is embarking on a Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan, which will take stock of progress and provide the Government with an opportunity to consider the scope for increased levels of investment, including in the transport sector, taking economic growth and fiscal progress into account. I will be making the case for increased capital funding for public transport in that context.
27. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of metro north and the projected timeline for delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13996/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to proceed with the new Metro North project and as I have outlined in my reply to the previous question, funding is provided in the Capital Plan to facilitate construction of the link commencing in 2021 with a view to delivery by 2026/2027.
The decision to proceed with new Metro North followed consideration of the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study and the National Transport Authority's (NTA) recommendations on the study, which identified the light-rail link as the optimum long term public transport solution on the Swords/airport/city centre corridor. It is expected that the service will offer capacity for 9,900 passengers per hour per direction with the potential to expand services in the future if demand requires.
The NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have commenced preparatory work on the planning and design of new Metro North and a dedicated project Steering Group has been established which is meeting on a regular basis. The NTA, in collaboration with TII, is undertaking an option analysis and selection study of possible metro alignments and station locations. Arising from this work a final route and station configuration will be established. It is my understanding that the NTA and TII expect that this process will be complete by the end of 2017, after which a public consultation process will be undertaken in 2018.
32. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the rolling out of staffless train stations in towns such as Portarlington and Portlaoise on the grounds of safety and ensuring the personal customer service for older persons and persons with disabilities remains central to Irish Rail's operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14240/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaffing levels at train stations are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and not issues in which I have any statutory function. I have however been informed that there are no plans to make either Portarlington or Portlaoise stations unmanned.
The broader issue of staffing levels at stations generally is under review by the Company, primarily in response to changes in customer behaviour.
This changed customer behaviour is evidenced by the fact that the just 17% of ticket sales are now made through station ticket offices, with the vast majority made online or through self-service modes in stations.
The Company is seeking to enhance customer service to ensure that:
- More Intercity services are staffed to ensure customer service and assistance is available including for those with disabilities and older customers.
- Station resources are more focused on direct customer service in the station area, rather than confined to the ticket office area, with a mix of staffed and self-service stations as appropriate to demand.
- Customers who require assistance can avail of this more easily.
Specifically for customers requiring assistance, Iarnród Éireann plans to confirm new pilot arrangements for mobility-impaired customers shortly, which will dramatically reduce the current advance notification period and ensure a better response when customers requiring assistance cannot give notice. These new arrangements are being designed following extensive customer research, and liaison with the Company's Disability Users Group.
The Company has communicated with all station managers around its network on its plans, and is now working with employees to design local implementation plans.
It is intended that the rollout of enhanced on-board staffing will commence this summer, with station changes to be phased over time.
As well as liaising with employees and their trade unions, I understand that the company also held an open information day on these plans 7th March last to which all Oireachtas members were invited.
