Vol. 542 No. 2
207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason that trains are repeatedly up to one hour late in arriving at their destination following the introduction of the upgraded commuter rail service serving Kilcock, Maynooth and Leixlip; the reason for speed restrictions as low as ten miles per hour; the reason prior warning is not given to commuters; the action proposed to address the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23999/01]
Iarnród Éireann informs me that on 16 August 2001 it implemented a new timetable on the Maynooth line which saw an increase in capacity of 100% at peak hour and a half hourly off-peak service in each direction. All of the stations on the route have either been rebuilt or substantially improved.
Over recent weeks services have been affected due to problems with wheel slip arising from leaf fall. However, as and from yesterday, Iarnród Éireann introduced rolling stock on the Maynooth line which can deposit grit onto the tracks when triggered by a mechanism which detects adverse rail conditions. This should greatly alleviate problems recently encountered by commuters.
In accordance with Iarnród Éireann's passenger charter, central traffic control station staff have been instructed to ensure passengers are informed when delays occur and the estimated duration of same. The company also informs me that the speed restriction referred to is over the Ryevale aqueduct and this was necessary during essential works. However, this work is now complete and the normal speed restriction for the area has been restored.
208 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she proposes to carry out a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the Cork-Youghal railway line. [24000/01]
The draft final report of the Cork area strategic plan proposes, among other things, the development of commuter rail services between Blarney and Midleton operating via Kent Station and the construction of a number of stations in between. However, a rail service to Youghal is not envisaged under the plan at this stage. Iarnród Éireann is proposing a detailed study so that all aspects of this proposal can be examined in depth when the local authorities adopt the land use strategy which complements the rail strategy in the plan.
