Vol. 485 No. 2
26 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when funding will be available to upgrade the remaining 460 miles of mainline rail track that currently consists of jointed track and wooden sleepers; if the new signalling system CTC will be put in place on these tracks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22798/97]
It has been clear since 1993 that an investment programme of some £800 million would be needed in the rail network over a 30 year period.
By 1999, some £275 million of this programme will have been completed. However, further investment will be needed in all the main elements of the rail system — track renewal, signalling and rolling stock. The post-1999 programme will also have to make the maximum use of scarce resources.
I have, therefore, asked CIE to prepare detailed investment plans for the mainline rail network in the context of securing EU or other funding in the post-1999 period. I expect to receive the report early in the new year and this will provide the basis for determining the future rail investment programme.
