Vol. 563 No. 1
144 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the nature of the problem encountered with new rail cars delivered to Irish Rail; if they have had to be returned to Spain for modifications; when it is expected that they will be brought into service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7109/03]
151 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on delays in introducing new rolling stock on the northern suburban line; and the expected date to put these new carriages and locomotives into service. [7146/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 151 together.
I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that the first four car set of the 80 diesel rail cars arrived in Dublin on 21 January. Commissioning of these, which was due to begin on 3 February, has been delayed following the discovery of a fault in the gearbox of the cars. The cause of this defect has been identified and is being rectified by the manufacturer, CAF, at its expense.
The next four car set, which will have the gearbox defect corrected, is scheduled to arrive on 10 March. This set will then go into a testing and commissioning period of 12 weeks. I have been advised that the vehicles will be delivered at a rate of three trains per month and delivery will be completed in September. The first train is due to enter service in June and all trains will be available for service by the end of the year.
