Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which Iarnród Éireann has adequate resources to meet requirements in respect of locomotives and rolling stock and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3962/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The national development plan – NDP – provides for a substantial enhancement in public transport. The NDP provides for an investment of in excess of £1 billion in railway infrastructure, an important element of which is the acquisition of additional rolling stock.

Ten new DART carriages went into service in Dublin late last year. Some 16 more are due to enter service in April of this year. An additional 12 are due for delivery in late 2001 and will enter service in spring 2002. The company also holds options on a further 36.

In addition, 20 diesel rail cars were delivered to Iarnród Éireann recently. The company has ordered a further 80 diesel rail cars for delivery in 2002 and 2003. The additional DART cars and diesel rail cars will substantially increase capacity on the suburban rail network.

Iarnród Éireann is currently developing proposals for the purchase of new mainline rail carriages. I expect to receive proposals in this regard in the near future.

Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 97.