Investing in Transport in Wicklow

 

 

Transport 21 – Investing in Transport in Wicklow

· Luas extensions planned for Bray, with links to DART
· New commuter services to the South East from Irish Rail

July 30th, 2008

Transport 21, the largest investment package ever in Ireland’s transport infrastructure, has already delivered real benefits for Wicklow and many more significant improvements are on the way. Since it was launched two years ago, Transport 21 has invested €4.7 billion in transport networks across Ireland with almost €3 billion being invested in 2008.

Commenting on the ongoing investment in Wicklow’s transport infrastructure, Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Transport, today (Wednesday) said:

“Residents and commuters in County Wicklow are well used to the difficulties that come from being within the commuter-belt to the capital. Both roads and public transport options have been under severe pressure within the county, and for this reason Transport 21 is investing heavily in improving the transport network in Wicklow and throughout the Greater Dublin Area.

“Already, significant improvements have taken place on the N11. Commuter rail services between Dublin and Gorey have been extended. And, Transport 21 is investing in new buses for Bus Éireann. These services will all add significantly to the level of choice for commuters and residents of Wicklow.

“Under Transport 21, €34 billion is being invested in Ireland’s road, rail, bus, tram, metro and regional air services between 2006 and 2015. Transport 21 is transforming the quality of life of families and commuters, linking communities together, and making it easier to do business across Wicklow, and the entire country.”

Ends.

Note to Editors

Bus Éireann
Transport 21 funding has allowed Bus Éireann to order 239 new vehicles, including 69 additional vehicles: single deck city buses, single deck commuter coaches, and double deck commuter coaches, all wheelchair accessible. Delivery of these new vehicles began in 2007 when 117 buses were delivered. This year, the remaining 122 will be delivered.

Luas
Some 28.4 million passenger trips were made on the two Luas lines in 2007. Construction work is continuing on the two Luas extensions, including the 7.5 kilometre stretch from Sandyford to Cherrywood.

Once the new Cherrywood line is complete, a further extension is planned to serve the areas between Cherrywood and Bray. Following public consultation, the preferred route was announced last summer. In the autumn, the Railway Procurement Agency announced that the project would be extended to include a link to Bray Dart station. Construction of these Luas projects is scheduled for completion in 2015.

Iarnród Éireann
In early May, Iarnród Éireann announced a new early evening Dublin/Gorey commuter service. The new service is operated by the new Intercity Railcars, Ireland’s newest train. This new service is benefitting commuters and residents of Bray, Greystones, Kilcoole, Wicklow town, Rathdrum and Arklow.

In addition, the Rosslare line re-signalling project was completed at the end of April. Part funded by Transport 21, by the end of the year, all services on the Rosslare line will be operated by the new fleet, and frequency will increase to five trains each way daily.

Figures show that a total of 390,000 passenger journeys were made on commuter services to the southeast in 2007. This is up over 16% on 2006 figures making it the fastest growing route on the network. It is expected that numbers will increase even further in 2008 with additional services.

National Roads Authority
In 2007, the Arklow to Gorey bypass on the N11 was completed, as were the Enniskerry junction improvements. In March, the N11 Kilpedder/Delgany Junction was opened to traffic. These completed measures have significantly enhanced the N11, the major route linking Wicklow to Dublin.

Statutory approval has been received for 16kms of dual carriageway on the N11 (Arklow/Rathnew). This is part of an additional 150kms of dual carriageway road which is being delivered under Transport 21, in addition to the 738kms of road linking Dublin to the Border, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

Ends