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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 6

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

David Stanton

Question:

94 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on whether Iarnród Éireann is short of rolling stock especially at peak times and when major events are taking place; if she has received an application to approve the purchase of extra rolling stock; if so, the number of carriages applied for; the cost in this regard; the response, if any, to this application; when any extra rolling stock will be in service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14575/99]

Under the Transport Acts, the question of assessing and meeting demands for public transport services is a matter for Córas Iompair Éireann and its operating subsidiaries. I have no statutory function with regard to approving the purchase of rolling stock.

However, £40.4 million of Exchequer and EU funds, was approved in June 1998 to enable Iarnród Éireann purchase 20 extra suburban railcars and 16 new DART carriages. It is hoped that the new rolling stock will be delivered to the company next year. This is in addition to an earlier order of 27 railcars and ten DART carriages, which is already being delivered.

In addition to the rolling stock already on order, CIE and the Dublin Transportation Office have identified a requirement for approximately 124 additional units of rolling stock in the period 2000 to 2006, comprising inter city carriages, DART units and diesel railcars. This is being considered as part of the preparation of the National Development Plan.

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