Brian O'Shea
Question:187 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her proposals to assist in the provision of an express train service between Waterford and Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8627/02]
Written Answers. - Rail Services.
Phil Hogan
Question:189 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when the necessary investment will be made available and the timescale for the commencement of a commuter rail service for Kilkenny to Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8949/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 189 together.
Iarnród Éireann has been undertaking in recent years a programme of track renewal works on the Dublin-Kilkenny-Waterford line. In excess of €22 million has been invested in the programme to date. The final eight miles of track will be completed this year. Iarnród Éireann expects the work to result in a reduction on journey time of up to ten minutes.
Iarnród Éireann will shortly begin to take delivery of a new fleet of 80 diesel rail cars, which will start to enter service towards the end of this year. These new railcars will be used both to replace older rolling stock and to increase capacity on existing services. Iarnród Éireann is also examining tenders for the supply of up to 67 new mainline locomotive hauled carriages. When the tendering and contract process is completed, it will take about two years for these carriages to be delivered and put into service.
The question of providing an express service between Waterford and Dublin or between Dublin and Kilkenny is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and not one in which I have a statutory function.