Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

107 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to plans for the utilisation of the Enfield-Dublin rail link for the carriage of waste to a proposed incinerator at Kilcock, County Kildare; when she awarded the funding for the upgrading of this line; the indication, if any, she received for these plans from any quarter before she authorised the provision of the funds for line improvements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13322/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I am not aware of any plans to carry waste by rail to any proposed incinerator at Kilcock, County Kildare. In June last year, I announced an investment package of £63 million in combined EU and Exchequer funding for improvements on the Dublin suburban rail and DART network. The measures include the doubling of the track between Maynooth and Clonsilla, the lengthening of station platforms and the provision of extra suburban rail cars on the Maynooth line.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

108 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the full extent of the proposed upgrading of the Enfield-Dublin commuter line; if these works are in accord with her understanding of these proposals prior to her decision to allocate the necessary capital funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13324/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

109 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which she has been informed of the increased commuter and commercial traffic potential of the Enfield-Dublin rail link arising from her award of capital funding toward the improvement of the line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13325/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the total daily passenger capacity of the Enfield-Dublin rail link; the projected capacity following her award of capital funding to upgrade the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13326/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 to 110, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy is aware, there is considerable investment in improvements to the Maynooth line. These are progressing in accordance with the proposals put forward to me. The measures include the doubling of the track between Maynooth and Clonsilla, the lengthening of station platforms and the provision of extra carriages to increase passenger capacity. Funding was also allocated to improve track and signalling to Mullingar. This work is progressing satisfactorily.

In response to the recent publication of the regional planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area, I secured Government approval to undertake costings and feasibility work for a new suburban rail commuter development plan. I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that Enfield will be considered as part of these evaluations.