Vol. 539 No. 3
105 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will support financially the provision of a commuter service by CIE between Athenry and Galway on a pilot basis; and if she will have a feasibility study carried out into the economics involved in such a pilot scheme. [19437/01]
The Galway transportation and planning study, which was jointly commissioned by Galway Corporation and County Council, addressed the question of developing commuter rail services in the county and specifically examined the potential for such a service on the Athenry to Galway rail link. However, after comparing both rail and bus options for commuter services the consultants recommended that the public transport strategy for the study area should be bus-based.
The study, which was completed in 1999, is currently under review and my Department is represented on the review group. The issue of a commuter rail service from Athenry to Galway may arise in the course of the review and if it does my Department will examine the case on its merits.
106 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding the upgrading of the railway line from Westport to Dublin; the reason for the delay in completing the work; the stage this project has reached; and when she expects work to finish. [19450/01]
The Railway Safety Programme 1999 to 2003 provides for the phased renewal over the life of the programme of all old jointed track on the Westport to Dublin railway line, with the exception of track in some stations along the line.
I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that there is currently only 16 miles of track on this line which remain to be renewed and that the company will complete this work over the remaining period of the programme. The track to be renewed at the stations is related to the re-signalling project and will be completed as part of that project. This work does not form part of the railway safety programme.
