Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

42 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, arising from the additional funding being transferred to the Operational Programme for Transport following the mid-term review of Community Structural Funds, she will propose the provision in the Programme to extend the Iarnrod Éireann Arrow commuter rail service to Portlaoise, County Laois, and to refurbish and reopen the railway station at Monasterevin, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13897/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have no statutory function in relation to these matters which are operational issues for Iarnród Éireann.

During statements in the House on the Luas light rail project on 4 June last I gave details of alternative projects prepared in consultation with CIE which have been put forward for consideration for possible EU assistance when the light rail funding is being reallocated. A key consideration in selecting these projects was that they had to be contractually committed by end 1999 and completed by 2001 at the latest.

The projects mentioned by the Deputy are not included in the list of alternative projects.