The safety of Kilcock railway station and any other railway station is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have, therefore, no function in the matter.
Notwithstanding that, I understand from Iarnród Éireann that Kilcock railway station can safely handle the projected increase in passenger throughput expected as a result of the increase in passenger capacity which will become available from 2001.
The Maynooth line is currently being upgraded through the provision of a second line between Clonsilla and Maynooth. This project will be completed by year end.
Iarnród Éireann has advised me that 16 of the 20 new rail cars ordered for the Connolly to Maynooth line will enter into revenue service on 2 January 2001. The remaining four new rail cars will enter service in February 2001.
The benefits to the commuters on this line will include increased capacity and more frequent services in both directions.