Enda Kenny
Question:179 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will outline his proposals to maintain and expand the national rail system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Rail System Expansion.
The Exchequer subvention to Córas lompair Éireann in 1991 in respect of essential public services will amount to £108 million of which over 80 per cent is in respect of expenditure on railway services. This represents a very substantial level of State financial support for the railway. In addition, the Public Capital Programme for 1991 provides for capital expenditure by CIE of £36.2 million of which £10.3 million has been allocated for expenditure on railway signalling, track replacement, rolling stock and other railway-related infrastructure.
The allocation of resources to individual expenditure programmes, including the maintenance and development of the railway, is a matter for consideration in the first instance by the board of CIE.