John Perry
Question:196 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport when the rolling stock on the Sligo to Dublin line will be updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20649/02]
Vol. 556 No. 4
196 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport when the rolling stock on the Sligo to Dublin line will be updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20649/02]
The allocation of rolling stock by Iarnród Éireann to a particular route or service is a day to day operational matter for the company and I have no function in such decisions. The national development plan provides for the acquisition of new mainline rolling stock by Iarnród Éireann. I recently approved Exchequer funding of €37 million towards the acquisition cost of 67 new mainline rail carriages. These new carriages will enter service in 2005 and will provide benefits across the mainline network.