Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Austin Currie

Question:

213 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the fact that for safety reasons the only trains permitted to stop at Clondalkin and Cherry Orchard stations are Arrow railcars; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that with the existing railcar fleet available this equates to a service approximately every hour; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that to increase frequency on the arrow service would require additional rolling stock and an increase in the number of platforms at Heuston and a four track layout to allow extra services at peak times; and if she will provide the necessary capital investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28953/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

The national development plan provides, inter alia, for the purchase of 58 diesel railcars, with Iarnród Éireann funding the purchase of an additional 22 from its own resources, and the quadrupling of the railway line from Heuston to Kildare. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the diesel rail cars are due to be delivered next year and in 2003 and will be used both to replace older rolling stock and improve frequency on suburban railway routes. It also informed me that design work on the quadrupling of the line to Kildare is continuing. Taken together, these two projects are designed to provide additional train paths into and out of Heuston Station by separating express and local trains. A separate significant project is already under way in Heuston to provide a more efficient marshalling of trains and additional platforms. The question of specific train stops, in the context of safety considerations, is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann to decide.