Billy Timmins
Question:24 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her proposals to invest in the rail service from Dublin to Rosslare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24154/01]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
Billy Timmins
Question:44 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her proposals to upgrade or renovate any of the railway stations in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24155/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 44 together
Iarnród Éireann informs me that, in addition to the DART service improvements, it is progressing with the upgrading of the railway track from Greystones southwards to Rosslare. Work on this line commenced in 1999. The work is being done with assistance of Exchequer and EU funding under the national development plan and £2.5 million, 3.7 million, will have been spent on trackwork in the period to end 2001.
Iarnród Éireann has revised its estimate for relaying track in 2001 from 17 to 19 miles on the line between Greystones and Rosslare, with the entire line being relaid by 2003. In addition, work is under way on bridge renewal, coastal defence, level crossings and fencing. It is expected that when all the work is completed, the journey times over the route will be reduced.
As part of the national development plan, Iarnród Éireann has ordered 60 diesel railcars for delivery during 2002 and 2003. These vehicles will be used throughout the Iarnród Éireann system including services on the Dublin to Rosslare line which will improve the quality of service provided to passengers.
The question of upgrading or refurbishment of railway stations along the route is a day-to-day matter for the company concerned and not one in which I have a function.