Vol. 548 No. 2
44 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if work on the upgrading of the railway line from Waterford to Dublin is on schedule; when works are expected to be completed; and her views on the safety level of the line. [4474/02]
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.
I had hoped we would reach Question No. 70 on the tunnel.
I do not think we will.
I have been told about a new one in the Phoenix Park.
I know.
I welcome the information in the Minister's reply. Does she hold out any hope for a non-stop service from Waterford to Dublin, which would take approximately an hour and a half? Perhaps she could tell Iarnród Éireann that is what is needed now that the track has been upgraded to the necessary standard. We need a speedy service from Waterford to Dublin.
While that is not part of the question, I would be glad to ask Iarnród Éireann for its views on such a non-stop service. Two types of services are required. The first is a speedy non-stop service, to which the Deputy referred, and the second is a service which allows people at stations along the route to take the train.
We have that ad nauseam at present.
I am aware of that. Many people along the railway line would like to use the same train. Waterford is a major city and its links with the capital should be established as quickly as possible. I will put it to the chairman of CIE.
Given the difficulty in communicating with State boards, does the Minister think it would be desirable for a public relations officer from bodies such as Iarnród Éireann to liaise with Deputies about such matters? It should not be necessary for us to table parliamentary questions in the hope that we will get a reply once or twice every two years.
There is a good young man in Iarnród Éireann called Barry Kenny whom the Deputy might hear on the radio in the mornings or afternoons. I am sure that if he were contacted, he would deal very frankly with any queries. I will give any Deputy who desires it the name of a contact in Iarnród Éireann who will give them frank and open answers. The particular person to whom I referred is noted for his frankness and approachability and I suggest he might be contacted.
Does the Minister recall a Council of Ministers meeting during the term of the previous Government at which we argued successfully with the commissioner to have the Waterford-Belfast line included as a high speed train system? Special funding was available for that track from the EU which allowed trains to travel at an average speed of 75 miles per hour. Deputy Deasy would get here in wink time with that type of service. That was agreed and passed and fund ing was to have been available from the time of that agreement.
The provision of such a service between a major port city such as Waterford and the capital city would be desirable and I will bring it to the chairman's attention. It is a pity that, if introduced, Deputy Deasy will not use it to come to the Dáil. This may be the last chance we will get for a question and answer session. I wish the Deputy good luck.
I am not selfish.
