Vol. 533 No. 3
113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which the proposed new enhanced schedule rail commuter service serving Maynooth, Kilcock and Leixlip, County Kildare, will be fully operational; if all outstanding industrial issues and technical issues have been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8531/01]
115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when it is expected that the upgrading of the rail line between Maynooth and Kilcock, County Kildare, will be undertaken with particular reference to the provision of a second line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8535/01]
I intend to take Questions Nos. 113 and 115 together.
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the operation of enhanced services on the Maynooth to Connolly line is awaiting the resolution of certain industrial relations issues, which will be the subject of a full hearing before the Labour Court on 14 April 2001.
Iarnród Éireann has advised me that the rail track between Maynooth and Kilcock was upgraded to a high quality in recent years at a cost of approximately £2 million.
Iarnród Éireann have advised me that the provision of a second rail track between Maynooth and Kilcock will be kept under review in the context of changing demands on the suburban network in the greater Dublin Area.
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which it is anticipated passenger carrying capacity on the Kildare-Dublin rail routes can be increased with particular reference to Sallins and Hazelhatch; if opening of extra stations and facilities is anticipated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8534/01]
The national development plan provides for the quadrupling of track between Hazelhatch and Sallins to separate long distance and suburban services. Iarnród Éireann is currently finalising the design of this project. Extra stations are planned in the south Dublin part of the route.
The project would permit the operation of more frequent commuter trains to Sallins and Hazelhatch.
Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 113.
