Vol. 553 No. 5
329 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to re-open the rail link to Midleton and to upgrade the rail services in the Cork area generally; the progress which has been made to date in this regard; the likely timescale and cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14550/02]
The feasibility of re-opening the Cork to Midleton rail line is the subject of a detailed study currently being undertaken by consultants on behalf of Iarnród Éireann. The study is due for completion by late August and until it is completed I do not have any detailed costings for the project.
Work is in progress to convert the rail track on the Cork to Cobh line to continuous welded rail and it is hoped this work will be completed by the end of 2003. In addition, Irish Rail will take delivery of new diesel rail cars later this year and I understand four of these are to be allocated to rail commuter services in the Cork area. These railcars will be brought into service in 2003.
Work is also under way on upgrading facilities at Carrigaloe, Rushbrooke, Banteer and Mallow rail stations.
