Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 164: To ask the Minister for Transport the preliminary costings for the establishment of an interconnector between Dublin's Connolly and Heuston train stations; the routes which were considered for the interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36086/05]

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

Transport 21 includes a financial provision to cover the anticipated cost of the project. However, I do not propose to release this commercially sensitive information until the public procurement process for this project is completed.

An initial feasibility study on the proposed interconnector between Heuston Station and the Docklands was carried out on behalf of Irish Rail in 2003. This examined possible alignments for the interconnector as well as preliminary cost estimates. The proposal submitted to me by Irish Rail was incorporated in the business case for the integrated rail network for the greater Dublin area and included the preferred alignment serving Heuston Station, High Street, St. Stephen's Green, Pearse Station and a new underground station in the Docklands. The preferred alignment is also an integral part of the DTO's strategy, A Platform for Change, and is supported by the Dublin regional planning guidelines.

All aspects of the project including the route alignment will be subject to public consultation and a statutory approval process under the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.