Written answers

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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856. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to progress integrated transport plans across the entire country, with particular reference to the potential use of the rail system for commuter transport to a greater extent than has been possible heretofore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22808/16]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The railway network is a vital part of our transport network​ and commuter rail has a particularly important role to play in facilitating the efficient movement of people on a daily basis for commuting purposes. Of the 39.6m passenger journeys made on the heavy rail network in 2015, more than 29m of these journeys were by commuter rail (12.04m) or DART (17.15m).

The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 sets out a comprehensive vision for public transport in the GDA over the next two decades including the proposed role of both light rail and heavy rail. The NTA is now drawing up an integrated implementation plan to outline how it will go about delivering upon the Strategy's objectives over the first 6 year period within the Strategy's overall 20-year horizon.

Under the Capital Plan 'Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021,the public transport programme included in the 7 year transport element of the Plan will reach €3.6bn. This will allow prioritisation of investment for essential 'steady state' maintenance and asset renewal of the public transport system including an ongoing maintenance programme to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rail network on a nationwide basis.

Funds are also being committed for a range of other rail projects, including the opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel in 2016 to bring some scheduled passenger services on the Kildare Line to Connolly Station, the completion of the City Centre Re-signalling Programme for the rail network and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre for commuter and intercity rail.  Improvements to the DART service will also be funded including increased frequencies and capacity and electrification of the DART to Balbriggan. In addition, we will be continuing with the smart technological upgrades which enhance public transport and encourage more people to use the public transport network.

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