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.