Vol. 551 No. 4
8 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has had recent discussions with executives of CIE or Iarnród Éireann to discuss the upgrading of locomotives and rolling stock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10572/02]
My officials have had ongoing discussions with the management of CIE and Iarnród Éireann on the acquisition of new rolling stock. I understand the board of Iarnród Éireann will, at its meeting later next month, decide on proposals for acquiring new rolling stock for mainline services. In this regard, I am making €15 million available to Irish Rail as a downpayment in the current year.
(Mayo): Can the Minister confirm to the House that the 80 new carriages to be purchased are all for services in the immediate environs of Dublin and that none of them will serve the Sligo, Westport, Galway, Tralee, Limerick, Cork, Waterford or Rosslare lines?
This question has been asked before. Delivery of 80 diesel rail cars and 36 DART cars will commence this year. In the cur rent year the Department is making an allocation of €15 million to Iarnród Éireann to allow it make a down payment for the new rolling stock for those services. I hope whoever takes over my portfolio will continue to pay the money. The €15 million is only a down payment with the order. Before the orders come they are paid for gradually. What the Deputy has said is correct but I am pleased to say that it is about to order its new rolling stock, for which the Government, the taxpayer, is making €15 million available to Irish Rail as a down payment this year.
Will the Minister agree that €15 million is a flea bite in the matter of provision?
It is only a down payment.
It is just a flea bite, it is a very small provision. What is the full cost of these trains? How long does it take from making a decision to buying a train to getting on the train?
The decision to purchase is accompanied by the down payment. It takes approximately 18 to 24 months for rail cars to be delivered. I understand the chairman and some other members, perhaps two, visited the firm which makes these rail cars to see whether they could be delivered more speedily. I await the outcome of that visit. Part of the NDP commitment is to these rail cars. We have now brought forward the down payment.
What is the full cost?
I am looking for it. I undertake to get it for the Deputy for the full tranche.
(Mayo): What is the order? How many rail cars are we talking about? Has it been decided which lines will get them. At present there is overcrowding, stampedes, standing on aisles and between carriages, and standing for entire journeys for people who have bought tickets for a seat. Most times one does not get a seat. How many rail cars are we talking about, which lines will benefit and what is the expected delivery date?
I will supply the two Deputies with full information on the number of rail cars and the costings. I have said they are about to be ordered, bearing in mind the investment of more than €1 billion which has already been made. I hope that whoever comes into my job continues despite—
The Minister might hold on to the job.
—mournful calls for cutbacks from all types of people.
(Mayo): Should not the Minister have had that information on file? The question is quite specific. It asked the Minister if she had recent discussions with the executives of CIE to discuss the upgrading of locomotives. One would imagine the Minister would be in a position to tell the House the total cost and the number involved in the order.
I will be polite. That information is not in the file but I give a commitment to supply it to the Deputy by fax or e-mail, even if it takes until tonight. The information will also be provided to Deputy Stagg. I have not ever left this House without the information it requires. If I have not got it right now, the Deputy will get it immediately.
(Mayo): I fully appreciate that.
The Deputy can digest it in Mayo over the weekend.
(Mayo): I hope there will be something to digest.
