Written answers

Thursday, 15 February 2018

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Railway Stations

Photo of James LawlessJames Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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11. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to assist Irish Rail in the alleviation of the over-capacity issues at the train station car parks in Maynooth and Sallins, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7731/18]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am aware of the increased demand for commuter services, particularly during peak commuter hours.  The NTA's “Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035” provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades.  The DART Expansion Programme, which is a cornerstone project of the strategy, seeks to progress a series of projects that will create a full metropolitan area DART network for Dublin with all of the lines linked and connected. 

This integrated rail network will provide fast, high capacity, high-frequency electrified services to Drogheda on the Northern Line, Celbridge/Hazelhatch on the Kildare Line, Maynooth and M3 Parkway on the Maynooth/Sligo Line, while continuing to provide DART services on the South-Eastern Line as far south as Greystones.

In relation specifically to the North Kildare lines, the Deputy should note that since the upgrading and reopening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel in late 2016, commuters on the Kildare to Dublin Heuston line benefit from having the option of direct trains to Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations. 

Regarding the car parking facilities the Deputy's question refers to, I have been advised by the NTA that due to the extension of the Short-Hop fare zone to include Sallins & Naas Railway Station, coupled with the introduction of train services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel Link to serve city centre train stations, the level of car parking demand at this station has increased significantly.  To address this issue, it is intended to expand the level of car parking at Sallins & Naas Railway Station during 2018 through an expansion of the car park on the north side of the station.  Funding in the amount of €680,000 is being allocated to Iarnród Éireann this year in respect of this project.  The position regarding Maynooth Station will be considered by the NTA next year.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area. Iarnród Éireann receive Exchequer funding via the NTA in relation to the provision of car parking at train stations on the heavy rail network. I understand that the total expenditure on station extensions including car parking facilities over the last five year period of 2013 to 2017 was €15.4 million.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for further reply on the issues raised. 

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