Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding discussions with CIÉ on the use of the old Broadstone rail line and specifically if a decision has been made on whether it will be used for a Luas line or for suburban rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28044/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 provides for the development of a Luas line from St Stephen's Green to Liffey Junction, using the old Broadstone railway alignment. This is consistent with the long-term transportation strategy for the Greater Dublin Area in the "Dublin Transportation Initiative" (1995) and in the Dublin Transportation Office's strategy "A Platform for Change" (2001), both of which envisaged the old Broadstone alignment being used for Luas or Metro Services.

Iarnród Éireann recently submitted a proposal to my Department in relation to an alternative use of the Broadstone alignment for suburban rail services. My Department has engaged transport consultants Booz, Allen and Hamilton to review this proposal.

I remain committed to the strategy set out in Transport 21 for the use of the old Broadstone alignment, unless the independent consultants confirm there are very strong strategic, transport and operational arguments which require consideration of an alternative use.