asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has for a further suburban rail electrification programme after the completion of the section between Howth and Bray.

6.

asked the Minister for Transport when it is intended to proceed with the construction of the electrified suburban train service to (a) Blanchardstown, (b) Clondalkin and (c) Tallaght, County Dublin.

: I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.

As the Deputies are probably aware, the initiative in planning rail projects, including suburban electrification, rests under statue with CIE. In the latter connection the board submitted for approval proposals to extend the present Howth-Bray scheme to Greystones and to provide a rapid rail link between Tallaght and Heuston Station.

The Greystones proposal was turned down by the former Minister for Transport last August. This decision was based on an assessment of available funds, investment priorities in the present difficult financial situation, traffic projections in the context of all commuter requirements and the estimated cost involved. Following representations from local interest I am now giving further consideration to the Greystones proposal but I cannot hold out much prospect, in present circumstances, that the extension can be approved.

There are no proposals at present for the provision of electrified services to either Clondalkin or Blanchardstown and as to the Tallaght proposal I would refer the Deputies to my reply of 2 February 1983 on this question.

: I find this reply amazing. Is the Minister aware that Tallaght is the most rapidly growing area in Europe? Within a few years it will be a city of 100,000 people and within the decade both Clondalkin and Blanchardstown will also be cities of that size. There are no proposals whatsoever in regard to a rail system to enable commuting from Clondalkin and Blanchardstown, according to the Minister's reply. Does the Minister intend to make proposals or suggestions or how does he think the 100,000 people in each of these towns are to travel?

: Deputy Mac Giolla will know that I am acutely aware of the transport problems in west and south-west Dublin. CIE have recently accepted a suggestion from my Department that a joint Department of Transport/CIE evaluation should be undertaken of the proposed provision of an electrified rail link from Tallaght. That will get under way very shortly.

: I accept that the decision had been made about the Bray-Greystones section of the line. In view of the commitment in the Programme for Government that they would develop the rapid rail system as soon as the present Howth-Bray scheme was completed, does the Minister feel there is an obligation on him to extend the Howth-Bray scheme and start the line to Tallaght?

: There is an obligation on me to do what is best in the interests of the public generally, particularly the travelling public.

: It is in the programme.

: Even if it is in the Programme for Government it will have to be done if and when money is available. I will certainly not give any commitment which I cannot live up to. CIE's proposal for Tallaght is currently being considered by the joint CIE/Department of Transport panel and I would hope they would conclude that business as quickly as possible.