Suburban rail electrification scheme
Quinn asked when CIE’s electrification proposal would be approved and what jobs it might create. The Minister said the proposal, submitted in April 1977, was under detailed review and that a Government memorandum would follow; he expected the review to be nearly complete.
On Question No. 10 dealing with the suburban rail electrification scheme, I think I am right in saying these proposals were on the desk of the Minister's predecessor and have been on his desk now for some time. Will the Government be in a position to make provision this year, if they decide to go ahead with the proposal, to initiate the work and, if so, could the Minister give us any information of the number of jobs that would be created by the implementation of this scheme and the number of jobs that would arise as a result of constructing rolling stock at Inchicore?
Comment on this
The proposals in question have been under detailed examination in the Department in consultation with CIE. When that examination has been completed a memorandum will be prepared for the Government. I cannot say anything more in relation to it at this stage.
Comment on this
When were the proposals received by the Department and how long does the Minister reckon the review process is likely to take?
Comment on this
Surely it is legitimate to pursue this. Can the Minister give any indication when the review will be completed? I recognise it is a technical area and substantial sums are involved, but the traffic chaos is appalling.