Vol. 539 No. 1
125 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position in relation to the enhanced and improved rail commuter service from Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18994/01]
127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath have achieved sufficient road fleet units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18996/01]
128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which she expects Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath to enhance and extend their bus services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18997/01]
129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she expects Bus Éireann or Bus Átha Cliath to improve their services to Kilcock, County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to provide services in line with customer demands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18998/01]
130 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which passenger rail services are available at Kilcock, County Kildare; if she expects Iarnród Éireann to extend or improve these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18999/01]
I intend to take Questions Nos. 125 and 127 to 130, inclusive, together.
Iarnród Éireann has informed me that the introduction of enhanced services between Dublin and Maynooth is awaiting the resolution of certain industrial relations issues, which were the subject of a full Labour Court hearing on 14 April 2001. A recommendation from the court is expected in mid July. I have also been advised by the company that the rail track beyond Maynooth to Kilcock has been upgraded in recent years, at a cost of approximately £2 million. I also understand that the provision of a second rail track beyond Maynooth to Kilcock and providing extended services will be kept under review by the company in the context of changing demands on the suburban rail network in the greater Dublin area.
Overall during the lifetime of the national development plan, £220 million is being invested in the bus network in the Dublin area and the surrounding counties. As a consequence, both Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann have expanded their fleets, increased the capacity and frequency of their services and improved the service to their customers. In total, Dublin Bus has acquired 225 new buses while Bus Éireann has acquired 148 overall. While not commenting on individual services, which is a matter for the management and board of CIE, I understand that Bus Éireann has increased peak capacity by 40% on all major routes into Dublin while Bus Átha Cliath has not only increased their services at peak hours but also extended many of their routes.
I also understand that both companies will purchase further additional buses and provide additional services over the life of the National Development Plan.
