Vol. 407 No. 1
336 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will provide an increase on the existing subsidy towards the cost of running Irish Rail; and if, in the event of any proposed reduction or closure of rail services on existing rail lines, he will provide a subsidy to maintain such lines.
337 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will increase the subvention to CIE to ensure that it will be possible for Iarnród Éireann to do all the necessary maintenance track renewal work to continue the existing rail network to at least the present standards and, in particular, to ensure that trains do not have to reduce speed because of track deterioration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
338 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if, in the event of CIE or Iarnród Éireann deciding to close entirely or reduce the services or the train speeds on the Mullingar/Sligo line because of the deterioration of the track, he will provide the necessary money by way of extra subvention to prevent what would be a very serious blow to prospects in the North West for tourism, industry, farming and general facilities, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 336, 337 and 338 together.
I have no plans to increase the level of Exchequer subvention to CIE, which in 1991 will amount to nearly £110 million. In addition, the public capital programme for 1991 provides for capital expenditure by CIE of £36.2 million, of which I am informed £5.7 million has been allocated for expenditure on railway signalling and track replacement.
