Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Curran for the question. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in regard to public transport. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport in the greater Dublin area. In 2016 the NTA published its transport strategy for the greater Dublin area 2016-2035, which provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. As the Deputy is aware, the NTA has worked closely with South Dublin County Council on the Clonburris strategic development zone, given the public transport considerations for the scheme, such as the future of Kishogue rail station and rail services and bus services in the Clonburris, Lucan and Clondalkin areas.

In regard to Kishogue station, this was built in 2009 but is not yet opened for rail services. I understand the NTA has previously informed the Deputy that Kishogue station will be opened once development occurs in the residential areas near the station. I am advised by the NTA that it currently envisages opening Kishogue station in 2020 as development in Clonburris becomes occupied.

Turning to rail services, Clonburris will be served by the same number of trains that currently serve Adamstown, including those which are provided via the Phoenix Park tunnel which re-opened in 2016. Looking to the future, the DART expansion programme, as provided for by the national development plan, will deliver significantly higher frequencies and capacity along the Kildare line. This includes electrification through Clonburris to Hazelhatch-Celbridge. In the meantime, improvements to the current service are planned in advance of the full delivery of that project.

In regard to the provision of bus services that will serve Clonburris, the NTA intends in the short term to provide a new orbital bus service through the SDZ lands linking Blanchardstown to Tallaght. As part of the BusConnects network review, a number of high-frequency local, radial and further orbital services are being considered to serve Lucan and Clondalkin, some of which will serve Clonburris directly.

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Some of these can be adapted to serve Clonburris as development occurs in the future. These proposals will be part of a series of public consultations on the BusConnects programme, which the NTA will be commencing shortly. I am advised that the NTA will continue to provide support to South Dublin County Council and will remain closely engaged on transport considerations as Clonburris develops.

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