Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

329 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the comments (details supplied) of the Dublin 15 Community Council on the public transport requirements of that area with particular reference to the Dublin to Maynooth section of the western rail line which is used for a commuter service and is increasingly under pressure from growing demand. [1659/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

338 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the current status of the Maynooth to Dublin rail line; if she believes the operation of this line is in compliance with health and safety standards in view of the inadequacy of the track and with resultant overcrowding and incomplete service; if she will give instructions and the necessary funding for the immediate upgrading of the line from Enfield to Dublin city and the development of the necessary facilities at the stations en route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2235/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

339 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to instruct Iarnród Éireann to alleviate overcrowding on the train service from Maynooth to Dublin city in view of the fact that by the time this train reaches Confey, Leixlip it is invariably full and then stops at Clonsilla, Coolmine, Castle-knock, Ashtown, Broombridge before reaching Connolly station; if she is aware of the concerns of the passengers on this route in relation to their safety due to the overcrowding; if she has identified the funding necessary to enable Iarnród Éireann to carry out the necessary improvements to comply with health and safety legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2236/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 329, 338 and 339 together.

I have been in direct and regular contact with the Dublin 15 Community Council and confirmed to them in my letter of 21 January 1998 that the specific requirements of the Dublin-Maynooth suburban rail service are being evaluated as part of a study of Dublin's suburban rail development needs.

This study is being undertaken by CIE at present and will form the basis for discussions with the European Commission on investment priorities and funding aspects. CIÉ hopes to finalise the review early this year.

In the meantime the rail services between Kilcock-Maynooth and Dublin are benefiting from an EU assisted investment package in the Dublin-Sligo line. This includes a major upgrading of track and signalling currently being undertaken with assistance from the Cohesion Fund.

In addition, an allocation of Structural Fund assistance under the Operational Programme for Transport 1994 to 1999 includes provision for new stations at Kilcock and Drumcondra.

Issues such as the development of facilities at stations, the maintenance of safety standards and the management of loadings on trains are day to day operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. I have been assured by Iarnród Éireann that there is no question of trains being allowed to operate in a situation where the safety of the public or railway staff would be compromised.