Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 7: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on proposals for the development of a light rail system for Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32798/07]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken or intends to take to conduct a feasibility study into developing a Luas style light rail transit system for Cork and other cities outside Dublin and a timetable for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30363/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 48 together.

My Department has agreed with Limerick local authorities that the terms of reference for the proposed Limerick planning, land use and transportation study will include an examination of the feasibility of introducing light rail transit and-or bus rapid transit. I understand that Limerick local authorities hope to engage consultants by the end of April 2008 to work on this study.

The Cork local authorities have, in recent weeks, commissioned consultants to update the Cork area strategic plan. At the request of my Department, the terms of reference for this update include a requirement that the review of the transportation strategies should include consideration of the feasibility of introducing light rail transit or bus rapid transit.

My Department is in discussion with the local authorities in Galway and Waterford about arrangements for studies, similar to those for Cork and Limerick, to be carried out in their areas. I raised the matter with Galway City Council recently.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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I warmly welcome the Minister's reply. Has he seen the proposals for Limerick published in the Irish Examiner? This proposed a line from Raheen through Castletroy and Cahirdavin, linking to UL. Is that the approach we could pursue in Limerick and Cork, where the Green Party made a commitment to a Cork Luas before the election?

I was shocked to receive a circular from the track and signalling reports of Iarnród Éireann. The report, WC 3270 of 11 November 2007, states that signalling on the Limerick to Foynes line was to be cut forever. If it was to be reconnected it would cost €2 million to €3 million. Is the decision to disconnect the Limerick-Foynes rail link from the national network totally opposed to policy in respect of Transport 21?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy is going outside the question.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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It is the same thing because this line could be part of the Limerick regional system. It is an astonishing decision in light of the Minister's comments on encouraging rail freight.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department has agreed with the Limerick local authorities that the terms of reference of the land use and transportation study will include this study on light rail transit and rapid bus transit. Not much progress has been made on priority or quality bus corridors. The council is willing but the public is not responding. Much work remains to be done.

I have not examined the detail of the proposal but I am committed to seeing these studies finished and action happening. In anticipation of an increase in population the area strategic plan of Cork is being updated and will be completed by July 2008. That will give Cork an opportunity for new public transport systems.

I was impressed with Galway because the local authorities have a clear idea of where to go. We referred previously to the bus strategy. A dedicated unit has been set up to make progress on the issue and is part financed by my Department. I asked officials in my Department to invite the four managers to my Department to let them know my commitment to this issue.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the commitment and determination of the Minister, local authorities and statutory bodies to provide adequate public transport systems outside the city of Dublin. The footprint of cities such as Cork and Limerick has changed, with fewer people living in the cities and more living on the outskirts. We need a proper transit policy. I welcome Deputy Clune's question and the response.

I received the same e-mail as Deputy Broughan from the United Kingdom. I checked it out and discovered there has not been a train to Foynes in 20 years. The matter did not have the urgency I thought it did.

We need a proper public transport policy in our cities. Everyone must work together. The Minister suggested the public does not want it but this may change when people see the effectiveness and cost comparisons. Quality bus corridors and public transport are the only way forward in view of carbon emissions from cars.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with Deputy O'Dowd. There is a focus on these four cities because they are cities and because of commitments in the programme for Government. I encourage as many local authorities as possible, in places such as Drogheda, Dundalk and Navan, to consider these opportunities. The scenario has changed fundamentally. The footprint of Cork city, to which Deputy O'Dowd referred, is replicated across the country. The public transport providers, from management to drivers, must come to terms with this and become more flexible in how they provide services to customers.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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I accept that Foynes was on a care and maintenance contract. I have had this discussion about rail freight several times since representing the Labour Party in this portfolio. When Todd Andrews slashed the rail system, major elements of the programme were crazy. We are the posterity that must redo what he destroyed. Should the Minister not ask the chief executive, Dick Fearn, and Dr. John Lynch what they are up to in removing a link that could have been reactivated?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I will raise the matter. I did not mean to ignore the question. I will not discuss the decision but, more generally, policy on rail freight is a matter I will raise.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I agree with the Minister's point on examining other cities and towns. In Drogheda, where I live, the main street has been pedestrianised. People must realise that we can no longer bring cars into the centres of cities and towns. A few years ago in San Francisco I noted that no planning permission is granted for buildings with car parking provided. Instead, a contribution is made towards public transport. That city has an effective underground system. We must forget about cars. Strategically located car parks around town centres, which should be tax incentivised, would make a big difference.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I agree.