Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 28: To ask the Minister for Transport the analysis carried out on the possibility of diesel trains operating on the proposed new rail tunnel connecting Spencer Dock and Heuston Station; the estimated cost for the building on this rail interconnector; and the length of time it will take to deliver such a facility. [15655/05]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on the proposed rail interconnector for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15554/05]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 44: To ask the Minister for Transport the plans being examined to increase the number of trains that can run on the main DART and mainline rail line crossing the River Liffey in view of the current limit on capacity at the Loop Line ridge crossing; if he has considered the possibility of building an additional spur from the DART line on the south of the river to head via the South Docks to connect to the northside and the main northern and north western rail lines; and if such an increase in capacity will not be provided by the proposed Heuston to Spencer Dock rail interconnector in view of the fact that this new line will be at a different grade to the mainline rail service at the proposed meeting point at Pearse Street Station. [15658/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 38 and 44 together.

Iarnród Éireann has submitted a business case to my Department for the development of a greater Dublin integrated rail network aimed at meeting the projected demand for rail services into the future. Included in the business case are proposals to: construct a new rail station in the city centre; provide an interconnector tunnel linking Heuston to the docklands; provide a spur off the Maynooth line to the N3 beyond Dunboyne; and expand the capacity of the DART.

These proposals are being considered in the context of the multi-annual capital investment framework for transport, which is being prepared by my Department. When the framework has been approved by the Government, the implementing agencies will begin more detailed planning and analysis of the individual projects, including cost estimates and timescales.

I understand that, mainly for health and environmental reasons, it is not proposed to operate diesel trains in the interconnector tunnel.

As regards the DART, the signalling system in place at the present time means that the track between Connolly and Pearse Stations is limited to 12 train paths per hour. I expect to receive from Iarnród Éireann shortly proposals to upgrade the signalling system, which will increase the maximum number of trainpaths on this section of track to 16 per hour. In the longer term, the proposed interconnector tunnel will provide a direct connection between the northern and south western lines, facilitate a substantial increase in the overall capacity of the suburban network and address the capacity constraints in the city centre.

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 29: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the existing rail commuter connections between Athy and Dublin's city centre; if his attention has been drawn to the problems with this service; if he will report on any proposals to improve transport infrastructure, particularly road and rail connections, into and out of Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15500/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The scheduling and timetabling of trains is an operational issue for Iarnród Éireann.

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that commuter business from Carlow and Athy to Dublin is continuing to increase and the company hopes to improve rail service frequency further on the route when additional rolling stock is introduced in stages over the next three years.

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority and the local authorities concerned — in this case Kildare County Council — under section 17(1)(a) of the Roads Act 1993. I have asked the NRA to provide the Deputy directly with details of national roads projects in the Athy area.