Vol. 560 No. 3
348 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the plans to extend the Arrow train service to include Athy, County Kildare; the timescale for the extension of the service to Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2351/03]
Iarnród Éireann informs me that Athy currently has an early morning commuter service to Dublin. There are no immediate plans to extend the service due to the limited track capacity between Heuston and Kildare. However, I am also informed that the route will benefit from more modern rolling stock, which will improve the quality of the service, when new rail cars currently being delivered are commissioned into service later this year.
349 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport when an announcement will be made on the future of suburban rail in the greater Cork area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2450/03]
A feasibility study, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, on the proposals for the development of new rail services in the Cork area was recently completed and submitted to Iarnród Éireann. A copy was also forwarded to my Department. I expect to receive the company's views of the study in the near future which I will then consider. I under stand that Iarnród Éireann plans to make the report, which includes detailed costings, available to the public. The Cork rail proposals were also the subject of analysis in the strategic rail review and I propose to publish that review in the near future.
