136 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if his consent was sought for the decision of Irish Rail to cancel the tendering process for improvements to the signalling system on the DART lines which are required to allow more frequent services; when the money will be provided for the improved signalling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23438/02]
392 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport his policy regarding upgrading of signalling especially between Connolly and Pearse Stations which has now been deferred by Iarnród Éireann ending the prospect of a 33.3% increase in train throughput. [23606/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 392 together.
The DTO strategy, A Platform for Change, identifies the need to upgrade the DART as a critical project in addressing the public transport requirement of the greater Dublin area. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that it plans to undertake the DART upgrade project in two phases: the extension of platforms, upgrade of the power supply and the acquisition of new rolling stock to allow the operation of eight-car trains; and upgrading the signalling system to increase the number of train paths between Connolly and Pearse Stations from 12 to 16 per direction per hour.
I recently approved the allocation of approximately €145 million in Exchequer funding to allow the commencement of works to provide for eight-car DART operation. This phase of the project is planned for completion in 2005 and will result in a 100% increase in capacity on the DART between 2000 and 2005.
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that because of its internal resource constraints, the scale of the work to be undertaken on the line during the first phase and the need to minimise disruption to service, the signalling project is planned to commence in 2005 for completion in 2007.
Question Nos. 137 and 138 answered with Question No. 60.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 71.
Question No. 140 answered with Question No. 86.
