Written answers

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

12. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected construction works of the DART underground project; if the timeframe for delivery of this vital project will change if extra funding sources can be identified; if it has been decided that tunnelling will take place originating from one site or from two; if the views of residents of the East Wall near the proposed construction site will be taken on board in advance of construction commencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36803/14]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No decision has been taken as to the timing for delivery of DART Underground.  The PPP was cancelled and the overall project postponed in 2010.  The Railway Order for DART  Underground is valid until 2024  but a  High Court Judgement earlier this year  has  ruled that the period for serving Notices to Treat for the purpose of compulsory purchase of property under the Order should be 18 months rather than the 7 years set out in the Railway Order.  This means that a decision on whether to proceed with DART Underground under the current Railway Order must be made by September 2015.

DART Underground is now being reviewed and assessed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with other large public transport projects for the Dublin area. The  2010 business case for DART Underground is currently being updated and will be based on the latest data on population, transport demand, construction costs etc.

The NTA have advised me that the DART Underground report and the outcome from the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study and the preliminary Business Case for the BRT to Swords will be available by early next year.  

Following receipt and assessment of the reports I will then consider the options and priorities for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA having regard to the costs and benefits and affordability of each project as well as funding sources and options including private funds, EIB loans and EU grants.

Significant additional Exchequer resources will be required to advance any new major project irrespective of the availability of private or EU funds. With existing funding levels the key priority is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. If additional funds become available, there will be many competing projects from all transport modes in all regions. 

I will prioritise any additional funds for projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to existing infrastructure. I would expect that there will be public transport projects in the Dublin region which will meet these criteria if funds are available.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.