The management of works on the Iarnród Éireann railway and the safety of that railway are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann which has advised me that the Dublin to Waterford railway line is safe. Work on renewal of track on the line is on schedule for completion this year, with the exception of some track at stations.
Over the first three years of the railway safety programme, that is, from 1999 to 2001, a total of 22.5 miles of track were renewed between Cherryville Junction and Waterford. Iarnród Éireann expects to renew a further 8.5 miles of track this year. Other works on the Waterford line over the past three years have included the permanent closure or upgrading of 23 level crossings, the erection of 8.5 miles of fencing, the upgrading of seven safety critical buildings, such as relay rooms, and the renewal of three major bridges. In addition, Carlow and Kilkenny stations were upgraded. The cost of investment on the Cherryville Junction to Waterford line in the first three years of the railway safety programme was €19.8 million. A further €8.5 million is expected to be invested in this line in 2002.