Vol. 530 No. 3
55 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Public Enterprise about the proposals that are included in the national development plan for the upgrading of the rail link between Dublin and Kildare; and for the extension of the Arrow commuter service to Monasterevin and Athy, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1468/01]
The national development plan provides a detailed strategy for the enhancement of suburban rail services in the greater Dublin area. The quadrupling of the rail track, including upgrading of signalling, between Hazelhatch and Sallins, will enable the separation of long distance and suburban trains on the Kildare line and is identified as a priority project within this strategy.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that consultants have been commissioned by them to advance the design work on this project. An upgraded Kildare to Heuston rail corridor will be able to provide up to six express and six suburban train "paths" per hour. This will very significantly upgrade the level of service provided to commuters in the Kildare area.
Sixty new diesel railcars have been ordered for delivery in 2002-03 to provide for enhanced suburban rail services in the greater Dublin area generally. A further 20 diesel railcars have been ordered for delivery in 2003, bringing the total on order to 80.
The delivery of new diesel railcars and planned track development will enhance commuter rail services on the Kildare line, including services to Athy and Monasterevin. Plans are also well in hand to reopen Monasterevin station with work due to commence shortly.
