Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

44 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to new rail carriages from Spain which are in storage; and if she will have them put in service regardless of delays with the Malahide or Greystones DART extensions in view of the current overcrowding on DART and suburban rail services. [4161/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke): It creates a wrong impression to suggest that new carriages are in storage. The position is that, of an initial order of ten DART carriages, two have been recently delivered. Some basic preparatory examination and testing of these two vehicles has taken place and it is planned to carry out live testing under power next week. Subject to no faults being identified in these initial examination and tests, the remaining eight will be delivered in tranches of two within the next month. The new carriages will then be brought into service as soon as the essential commissioning work on these units is completed. This work is necessary to ensure that the carriages meet specifications and safety standards.