Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

201 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to bring the railway services in the south east region to a standard consistent with the modern economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1638/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

The provision of rail services is a matter for CIE and Iarnród Éireann.

However, I can say that CIE is being provided with very substantial resources for the maintenance and renewal of the railway infrastructure and the operation of railway services.

The national development plan makes provision for an investment of £500 million in mainline rail over the period 2000 to 2006. This includes a sum of £350 million for the continuation of the railway safety programme and a further £150 million for non-safety related investment such as the purchase of new rolling stock, the upgrading of railway stations and the renewal of railway plant and equipment.

Substantial funding for railway renewal was also provided under the Operational Programme for Transport 1994 to 1999, assisted by EU Structural and Cohesion Funds.

The Dublin to Waterford line is benefiting significantly from all this investment. The railtrack from Dublin to Kilkenny has already largely been renewed with continuous welded rail and the renewal of the section from Kilkenny to Waterford will be substantially completed under the railway safety programme by 2003. It is hoped to have the signalling on the line converted to the centralised traffic control system by the end of this year. Under the railway safety programme it is planned to upgrade practically all of the track on the Dublin – Rosslare line to continuously welded rail track by 2003.

In addition to track renewal substantial investment is being made in the renewal of bridges and fencing and in the upgrading of level crossings. While very good progress is being made in improving the railways, both CIE and myself are in agreement that these improvements need to be continuously built on so that the best possible rail service can be provided for the travelling public.