asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the estimated cost of electrifying the Dublin suburban rail system from Howth to Bray, the length of time it is now estimated this work will take, the number of people currently involved in this work and the maximum number of people who will be employed.

13.

andMr. B. Desmond asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will sanction the extension of the proposed electrification of the Howth-Bray railway line by CIE to the Greystones area in view of the major growth in population and the large commuter population in the area and if he would make a statement on the matter.

14.

asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will now authorise the extension of the CIE electrification programme for the Dublin suburban line to take in the line from Howth Junction to Balbriggan and from Bray to Greystones in view of the rapid development of County Dublin as indicated in the recent census.

15.

asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if proposals have been received from CIE regarding the erection of a new suburban rail system in Dublin.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 13, 14 and 15 together.

On 31 May 1979 I issued a statement announcing that the Government had decided on the electrification of the Dublin rail service from Howth to Bray at an estimated cost of £46 million. There are no proposals at this stage for the electrification of the line between Howth Junction and Balbriggan or between Bray and Greystones.

I understand from CIE that detailed design work on the Howth-Bray project is under way and that approximately 20 people are now engaged full-time in this work. Employment for about 280 persons will be provided during the course of implementation of the project and the expected completion date is the end of 1982.

As regards the possible extension of the existing suburban network, the Transport Consultative Commission which I established in September 1978 are giving priority consideration to urban road and rail passenger services and will no doubt take account of all such proposals including proposals for a rail rapid transit system for Dublin, prepared for CIE by a firm of consultants. I would expect that the commission's examination of these matters will include consideration of all relevant factors including the effects of population growth.

In view of the recent population returns for the area between Greystones and Bray, the massive growth of population in that area and the tremendous increase in commuter traffic between Greystones, Bray and Dublin would the Minister have a further look at the apparent rejection of the proposal to electrify the Bray to Greystones section? This seems to warrant a re-examination.

There is no suggestion of rejecting anything. The Government decided on what was put before them by CIE, the electrification of the Howth-Bray line. They came to a decision they would do this. In so far as the other areas mentioned in those questions are concerned the Deputy can take it that surburban rail services to the north of Howth and to the south of Bray and also the existing bus services along those particular routes will be dovetailed with the electrified rail system. I believe this will be a very considerable help.