DAIL DEBATES


TRANSPORT (RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE) BILL 2001 Second Stage Resumed.

Sitting Time
Sitting Date
16:40
7 November 2001

Mr. Kelleher: I wish to share my time with Deputy John Ellis. I welcome the Bill and the opportunity to speak on the issue of rail infrastructure, which is a very topical matter not only in the capital, but throughout the country. Historically, we have consistently undervalued our railways. In more recent times, however, we have started to appreciate the legacy left to us in terms of railway construction. It baffles me that we are stuck in a mind set which does not envisage building further permanent routes. We will have to change it.
I am not aware of the exact cost factors involved. However, building a motorway requires a 200 metre wide strip of land along the entire length of the route. I understand it would be equally cost effective and efficient to build railway lines because of their nature. In the long term, they are a worthy investment from the point of view of both the environment and efficiency.

Sitting Time
Sitting Date
16:50
7 November 2001
Text:
[Mr. Kelleher]
We talked about public-private partnerships for road development and the potential for including tolls to fund further road development. There is a case for allowing private companies to come in when they are willing to put their money where their mouth is in order to further enhance the existing infrastructure.
If development is to be moved from the east out to the west and to the north-west which has a deficiency of population, the rail infrastructure is a very important factor in the success of that development. We should examine all the aspects and not become stuck in the old mindsets of using the railways only as they are and not developing them. We would be remembered in years to come as the people who oversaw that transition.
CIE has recently commissioned a feasibility study on the development of a rail link from Midleton to Cork and a commuter service up the Dublin track as far as Mallow. I welcome that but I am disappointed that we now have to wait for another feasibility study. We are up to our necks in feasibility studies on the rail services in Cork. There has been huge development in recent years on the eastern side of the city, particularly in Midleton, with the potential for further expansion in Carrigtwohill. It would be very timely for CIE to go full steam ahead and make an application for funding. The population base is there and so are the resources. I am disappointed that CIE has used the stalling tactic of a feasibility study.
I am confident that when the study is completed that we will get the support of Government to move immediately ahead and develop a proper commuter service from Midleton and perhaps even further to Youghal. It would open up Carrigtwohill and could extend up to Mallow and open up the stations at Kilbarry, Monard, Blarney and Rathduff. That would present an opportunity to implement the greater Cork area strategic plan which has been commissioned and passed by both local authorities. That plan specifically pinpoints the railway line as the focus for industrial and population development. CIE has no excuse for not moving ahead to ensure the plan is put in place as soon as possible. It would be of huge benefit to the city itself.
A decision has been taken to stop further encroachment on the green belt in the Cork area and to advance towns such as Fermoy, Mallow, Midleton, Carrigaline and Ballincollig. They would use the lines and the public transport system to feed into the city.

Mr. Deasy: The Muskerry line and the Bandon line could be re-opened.

Mr. Kelleher: We did not find any tunnels in Cork.

Mrs. O'Rourke: Cork has its own tunnel.

Mr. Kelleher: We have our own tunnel and we might have to put a train under that as well. If we are to advance that plan it is essential that we move ahead with the funding and ensure a change of mindset in CIE.
It was a very good idea to place one of the light rail carriages on
display in Merrion Street. It is good that the public can see it ---

Mrs. O'Rourke: Forty thousand people have come to see it.

Mr. Kelleher:-----at first hand and know that in time it will be
developed on the streets. It will allow the citizens of Dublin to put up with the inconvenience in the knowledge that they will have a proper, modern public transport system in place in a number of years. It is important to inform the public. People are patient and understanding if they know something positive will come out of the present works. It is a huge undertaking and I know the Minister and the Government are very committed to it. There is no capital city in the world without a proper public transport system. It is time that Dublin finally should take its place among the capital cities of Europe with a modern infrastructure.
I am fascinated to be informed by Deputy Deasy and his taxi driver, who is obviously a historian, that there are tunnels in existence in Dublin. There has been a debate about whether the system should be underground or overground but whatever is the most practical is the correct way to go. The decision has been made and we should all support this development and hope that it comes in on time and that we will see a modern, vibrant infrastructure in place in Dublin.

Mr. Deasy: We will all welcome it.

Mr. Kelleher: The Bill is very comprehensive on the issue of safety and the unlawful use of the rail network. I ask if it can be envisaged that a private company will be allowed to buy rolling stock and run a train on the existing railway lines. I believe it is an idea that could be investigated further. It would not be privatisation, rather competition. There would still be a State-run business but it would have a competitor. As people travel more they see that competition is not to be feared but to be embraced.
I congratulate the Minister on bringing this Bill to the House. I hope that CIE will move full steam ahead with the development of the Midleton rail line and the commuter facilities from Kent Station out to Mallow. I hope it will address the infrastructural deficits and allow the greater Cork area study and the county and city development plan to shape Cork for the future.