Vol. 512 No. 3
54 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the suggestion that DART services need to be upgraded and dramatically improved as an integral part of the public transport service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25825/99]
89 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the improvements in the DART service and, in particular, in the comfort for passengers over the next two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25834/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 89 together.
I share the Deputy's view that there is a need to continue to upgrade the DART service as part of the overall improvement in public transport services in the Dublin area. This Government is committed to ensuring that such development takes place.
I can assure the Deputy that, over the 24 months to which he refers, there will be tangible results from the initiatives which we have already taken.
This will include the completion of the work on the extension to Malahide next year, the opening of Barrow Street station in mid-2000 and the provision of improved services as well as additional rolling stock.
The total number of DART carriages currently on order is twenty six. Delivery of ten of the carriages, co-funded under the EU Operational Programme for Transport 1994-1999, will take place this month. The remaining 16 will be delivered during October-November 2000. These are being financed by the Exchequer and the EU.
Following delivery, commissioning of the carriages takes approximately eight weeks and they will then be introduced into service immediately. They will increase the DART fleet from 80 to 106 carriages which will result in an increase in total passenger carrying capacity of 5,200 places or 33%.
