Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Joe Higgins

Question:

139 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 80, 89 and 264 of 30 September 1998 the progress made on the measures which were to be funded from the decommitted EU aid; the expected date for completion of the provision of extra suburban rail cars station platform lengthening to accommodate longer trains and the doubling of the track between Clonsilla and Maynooth line; and the other measures, if any, taken to increase passenger capacity. [19531/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

A considerable amount of physical work has been undertaken on the Maynooth line during 1999, concentrating on site preparation including the slewing of the existing track, laying of ballast, drainage and the lowering of tracks at bridges. Some platforms have been lengthened and the remainder will be finished in the coming year.

Almost eight miles of new track will be laid during 2000. Iarnród Éireann plans to have the whole infrastructure project completed on schedule by the end of 2000. New rolling stock for use on the service is also expected to be delivered by late 2000.

When this work has been completed, it will be possible to introduce improved and more frequent services. It will not be possible for Iarnród Éireann to increase the number of services in the interim.

However, in order to augment capacity during peak hours, Iarnród Éireann intends to increase the Longford morning and evening train by two carriages. As the train length will then exceed the platform length, the company has agreed a safe method of operation for this service with the rail way inspecting officer in my Department. The necessary technical work to comply with this agreement is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.