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Dáil Éireann - Volume 345 - 09 November, 1983

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tallaght Rail Link.

14. Mr. Gregory-Independent asked the Minister for Transport when approval will be given for the proposed rail link to Tallaght, County Dublin.

15. Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the statement of the general manager of CIE to the effect that if there is a delay in granting [1834] Government approval for the construction of the proposed new electrified rail system to Tallaght, County Dublin, the staff who have been employed hitherto on the Howth/Bray line will become redundant, thereby causing serious effects on employment in various subsidiary fields across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

16. Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Transport if CIE have sought approval from the Government for the construction of the proposed new electrified rail system to Tallaght, County Dublin; and, if so, if a decision will shortly be made on the matter.

17. Mr. De Rossa asked the Minister for Transport if the Government has sanctioned the provision of a new railway line from Tallaght town centre to a new suburban station situated at Heuston Station, Dublin; and, if not, when it is proposed to do so.

Minister for Transport (Mr. J. Mitchell): I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 to 17 inclusive together.

I am currently in consultation with the CIE Board in relation to the question of public transport services for the Tallaght area, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement in the matter.

Mr. Taylor: Is the Minister not aware that a city having been set up in Tallaght of 80,000 population, there is no adequate transportation system? This matter is urgent and requires information from the Minister so that the people there will know what the position is. Secondly, will the Minister not agree that on the completion of the Howth-Bray line the staff that had been employed there will become redundant, with large-scale unemployment implications if they are not taken up, as logically they should be, to provide a rail link for the city of Tallaght?

Mr. J. Mitchell: May I tell the Deputy that I am acutely aware of the transport problems of Tallaght and other areas near to it? In relation to the question of [1835] those working on the Howth-Bray electrification line becoming redundant, I am also aware of that fact. However, I have to say to the House that the costs of the Howth-Bray electrification are one reason for us to reflect with great care on whether or not proposals for an electrified line from Tallaght are economically viable or possible.

Mr. Taylor: Is the Minister saying that because of overcosting or whatever on the Howth-Bray line, 80,000 people in Tallaght are to be left without an adequate transportation system? Has an application been made to the Government from CIE for approval for this project and, if so, on what date was that application received and when might it be dealt with?

Mr. J. Mitchell: I have been informed by the Board of CIE that they do not think it timely to continue with the proposals regarding electrification. I have asked them to submit what alternative proposals they have for Tallaght before I come to a decision on the matter. My department are awaiting a reply from CIE as to their alternative proposals for transport for Tallaght.

Mr. Wilson: Is it true that property on part of that route has been acquired already for that rail development? Would the Minister tell the House when exactly CIE changed their minds about the Tallaght line?

Mr. J. Mitchell: I understand that some of the land has been acquired although I am not certain to what extent. In a letter dated 13 October to my Department, CIE informed us that their board were of the view that the time was not opportune to proceed with a formal request to approve the necessary capital requirement.

Mr. Mac Giolla: I am sure the Minister will agree that this is a most unsatisfactory position. It appears now that the whole question of viability is being raised. Could the Minister say if CIE are now unsure about going ahead with an [1836] electrified rail? Is it still intended to go ahead with a normal rail link to Tallaght town centre?

Mr. J. Mitchell: The position is that I am considering all aspects of transport services to and from Tallaght. I have asked CIE for their opinion on alternative modes of transport to and from Tallaght and I hope to be in receipt of those views before too long. I also hope to come to a conclusion as quickly as possible.

Mr. Taylor: Would the Minister agree that the timeliness or otherwise of this project should not be a matter for determination by CIE but that it should be determined by the Government in the interests of 80,000 people who vitally need a reasonable transportation system?

Mr. J. Mitchell: The Deputy is right but the board of CIE decided it was not timely for them to decide. I have already stated that I will make the decision having considered all the transport possibilities for the Tallaght area. It is only fair to point out that the cost of electrification is so enormous that there are many people who now doubt the wisdom of proceeding with that venture. The servicing of borrowing for that purpose is going to add greatly to CIE's difficulties in the future and also to their deficit.

Mr. Wilson: Would the Minister agree that there seems to be a campaign being orchestrated at present to denigrate the whole Howth-Bray scheme before it has had a chance to prove whether it is viable and profitable? Would he agree that this is a futile exercise at this stage?

An Ceann Comhairle: That seems to be a separate question, Deputy. I know the Minister brought it in but it does not arise on the questions in the Order Paper.

Mr. Wilson: I humbly submit that if the line to Tallaght is being knocked on the basis of costs on the Howth-Bray line, which are frightening people, my question is relevant to the Minister's reply.

[1837] An Ceann Comhairle: It does not arise on any of the three questions on the Order Paper.

Mr. Wilson: The Minister brought it in as a reason for the undesirability of going ahead with the Tallaght line now.

An Ceann Comhairle: The Minister had a swipe at it but the Deputy is now going into it in great depth.

Mr. Kelly: Could I ask a question arising out of the Minister's reply?

An Ceann Comhairle: I will discourage it. We have had a lot of questions.

Mr. Kelly: Not from me. I just want to ask one little, non-contentious question. Have any Government considered the possibility of inquiring whether any interest exists in the private sector, not just in this country but anywhere in the world, in being given a concession to operate under appropriate conditions a rail link, electrical or otherwise, which would join Tallaght, the complex which Deputy Taylor is concerned about, and the rail line which basically runs around the bay? In other words, even if CIE have not got the money and the State cannot stake them to it, is there any possibility that any private sector interest anywhere in the world would like to come and do it?

An Ceann Comhairle: That looks like a contribution to the transport system in general.

Mr. Kelly: I am just asking but I will not pursue it.

Mr. J. Mitchell: The brief answer is no.

Mr. De Rossa: In relation to the Minister's review of other systems of transport for the Tallaght area, which is projected to increase to about 100,000 people, will he keep in mind the social cost to the State which will arise if he opts for greater road transport and private transportation?

[1838] Mr. J. Mitchell: I certainly will.

An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy De Rossa has added 20,000 to the population since he came in.

Mr. De Rossa: That is the projected population.

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