Could reusing the old Harcourt Street railway line as a dedicated bus route alleviate the demand for public transport?
As the region of south county Dublin grows, there is a corresponding growing public demand for an adequate public transport season.
A survey, carried out by consultants Minerex Ltd in consultation with Fianna Fáil TD Seamus Brennan, suggest that the old Harcourt Street railway line could be turned into a busway.
The Harcourt Line was axed at a time when emigration was high and urban development low.
The Harcourt Rail Line ran from Harcourt Street to Bray and was closed in 1958 when car use was on the rise and it was not anticipated that the population of south Dublin would grow so rapidly.
According to the report the old line between Harcourt Street and Shankill remains relatively intact. There are some obstructions along the route but in most cases the bridge abutments are still in place and are ready to take a new bridge.
The survey points out that the track ballast is basically undisturbed.
There are six railway buildings along the route and only two are occupied. The consultants suggest that the replacement of bridges and the reacquisition of the route could be carried out for less than a million pounds.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 November 1982. The reporter is Peter McNiff.
