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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

118 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason northbound and southbound DART services have deteriorated since the new DART line was extended to Malahide. [6127/01]

I have no function in this matter; it is a day to day matter for the board of Iarnród Éireann. However, Iarnród Éireann inform me that it introduced a new DART service to Malahide in mid-December last, following the placing into service of ten additional DART carriages. Following the introduction of the new timetable, I received numerous complaints from Iarnród Éireann customers.

I raised these concerns with Iarnród Éireann and I was informed by the company that there are capacity constraints in relation to the frequency of trains which can safely use the rail track network on the northern suburban rail line into the city centre. Iarnród Éireann inform me that the position is set to improve towards the end of April when a further 16 new DART carriages are commissioned. In the meantime, additional drivers will have been recruited and trained which will enhance reliability. In all, there will be an increase of almost 30% in DART capacity compared to November last.
Iarnród Éireann has acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the introduction of the new timetable and has met local public representatives and local groups to look at ways of addressing their concerns. I understand it is now planning some further adjustments to timetables in response to concerns raised and these should be announced shortly. Iarnród Éireann also acknowledge the need for better communications with its customers at the time of changes in service and in the event of disruption and is committed to a renewed customer focus as developments take place in these services in the period ahead.
To cater for general growth in demand for DART services over the coming years, the national development plan provides for a further 12 new DART carriages to be delivered to Iarnród Éireann in the last quarter of this year which, when operational in late spring 2002, will result in an increase in the capacity of DART services by over 40% in the period since November last. In addition, Iarnród Éireann has an option on a further 36 new DART carriages. Plans are in hand to extend all DART platforms to accommodate eight carriage trains. Iarnród Éireann recently submitted to me proposals for a major investment project to increase the frequency of trains on the northern suburban rail network by providing enhanced signalling, all eight car trains, improved power supply on the overhead power lines and the upgrading of the current two track system to three tracks. These proposals are now being examined.

Denis Foley

Question:

119 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when new rolling stock will be provided for the Mallow-Tralee line. [6081/01]

As part of the rail investment programme under the national development plan, there is provision for the acquisition by Iarnród Éireann of 20 new intercity mainline carriages. This will enable Iarnród Éireann to upgrade the quality of the service on its mainline network, including the Mallow to Tralee and Killarney line. Iarnród Éireann has commenced the procurement process for acquiring these carriages and expects to place the orders later this year, with a delivery date of within three years.

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