Vol. 467 No. 1
315 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the upgrading and refurbishment works, if any, that will be carried out on the railway line and signalling system between Connolly Station, Dublin and Mullingar, County Westmeath; whether the new carriages being purchased by Iarnrod Éireann will be allocated to this line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12814/96]
Under the National Development Plan covering the period 1994 to 1999, total investment in the mainline rail network will amount to approximately £275 million. This investment will be focused on track renewal, modern signalling systems and rolling stock in accordance with the overall policy framework set out in the Operational Programme for Transport. All major lines on the inter-urban mainline railway network, including the Dublin-Sligo line, are included in the proposed investment programme. The EU authorities have requested that an independent cost benefit analysis be undertaken before the proposed investment on some routes, including the DublinSligo line, can be approved. It is not possible, therefore, to give the precise details of individual investments on particular lines pending the outcome of the analysis and associated consultations which are ongoing with the EU Commission.
The allocation of rolling stock to the Dublin-Sligo route falls entirely within the day to day responsibilities of the boards and management of Coras Iompair Éireann and Iarnród Éirean and I have no function in the matter.
