Jack Wall
Question:75 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding the provision of the Arrow service to south Kildare and Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19266/01]
Written Answers. - Rail Services.
The quadrupling of the rail track, including upgrading of signalling between Hazelhatch and Sallins, is a key project identified under the national development plan. Completion of the project will enable the separation of long distance and suburban trains on the Kildare line into Dublin. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that consultants have been commissioned by them to advance the design work. The planned upgrade of the Kildare to Heuston rail corridor will, on completion, provide up to six express and six suburban train ‘paths' per hour. This will significantly upgrade the level of service provided to commuters in the south Kildare and Carlow areas.
A total of 60 new diesel rail cars have been ordered for delivery in 2002-03 to provide for enhanced suburban rail services in the greater Dublin area generally. A further 20 diesel rail cars have been ordered for delivery in 2003, bringing the total on order to 80. The delivery of new diesel rail cars and planned track development will enhance commuter rail services on the Kildare line. Plans are also well in hand to reopen Monasterevin station.
Jack Wall
Question:76 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she is satisfied the train service from Waterford to Dublin meets the demand of the general public who use it; if she is further satisfied with the number of trains on the service; if she is further satisfied that the stations on the line meet the needs of the general public using them; the plans she has to fund improvements of the stations and the upgrading of the line and its services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19267/01]
The demand for services has increased year-on-year on all routes operated by Iarnród Éireann and the Waterford to Dublin line is no exception. The National Development Plan 2000-2006, launched in November 1999, provides £500 million for the mainline rail renewal and an upgrading programme.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the mainline renewal work is progressing satisfactorily on all lines including the Waterford to Dublin line. Additional rolling stock is on order for delivery in 2002-03. These vehicles will be used to reduce the age profile of the fleet generally and to provide enhanced services.
In 1999 the Waterford to Dublin line benefited substantially from investment of £10.7 million under the EU Operational Programme for Transport 1994-99. In 2000 £2 million was spent on the enhancement of the line and a further £5 million will be spent during 2001.
The work to date has involved the replacement of life expired jointed tracks on timber sleepers with continuous welded rail on concrete sleepers.
Iarnród Éireann expects the work to be completed by end 2003 and passengers will see a reduction of up to ten minutes on the journey time from Dublin to Waterford.