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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 1

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Richard Bruton

Question:

139 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the projects she is considering for improving the level of service on the DART after the existing phase of acquisition of new rolling stock is completed early in 2002; and the specific time framework within which she plans to implement further projects. [17370/01]

In addition to the 26 new DART carriages which have been in service since late last year, Iarnród Éireann will take delivery of a further 12 carriages later in the year. This will mean that the capacity of the DART will have been increased by almost 50% between 2000 and 2002.

I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that, consistent with the DTO plan to upgrade Dublin suburban rail services, it plans to provide for an increase in the number and size of DART trains. This will require improvements in signalling, increased traction power and the lengthening of platforms to accommodate eight car DART trains after 2002. As part of this next phase of development, Iarnród Éireann is planning to purchase 36 additional DART cars.
My Department has allocated £3.5 million in 2001 in respect of the design and planning of this project. Further details of the timescale of the project will be determined as the planning and design progress.
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