Emmet Stagg
Question:310 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when improvements (details supplied) to the Arrow route serving County Kildare will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10437/03]
Written Answers. - Rail Services.
Iarnród Éireann informs me that the company has commenced taking delivery of 80 new diesel railcars and that all of them will be in service by the end of the year. Some of these will be used on the Dublin to Kildare service. In addition, platform lengthening at Hazelhatch and Sallins stations to accommodate eight-carriage trains and the new turnback facility at Newbridge station will all be completed by year end. The Heuston Station project, which increases the number of platforms from five to nine, will also be completed in 2003. This will enable the operation of longer trains and some additional services. As a result of these developments, peak capacity on commuter services from Kildare into Heuston Station is projected to increase by 130% in the peak hour before the end of the year.
Emmet Stagg
Question:311 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when new diesel railcars will be introduced into service on the Maynooth suburban line; when additional frequencies will be introduced; the increased capacity which will result from these improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10438/03]
Irish Rail informs me that new railcars will be introduced on the Maynooth line service before end 2003. These railcars will be used to replace old carriages and to increase peak-hour capacity by approximately 25%, by increasing the length of trains to standard six and eight-car operation. An increase in the frequency of services on the Maynooth corridor is subject to the resolution of city centre capacity constraints. The Department is awaiting final proposals in this regard from Iarnród Éireann.
David Stanton
Question:312 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the cost of the recently published strategic rail review; his priorities for action as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10551/03]
Work on the strategic rail review was carried out by a consultancy consortium led by Booz Allen Hamilton. The consultancy costs were €649,558, including VAT, and the printing of the report has so far cost €45,115, VAT exempt. The review provides a framework within which the Government can implement and prioritise an ambitious and realistic programme for the future development of the rail passenger and rail freight sector in Ireland. It lays the foundation on which we can revitalise the railways and plan a modern and efficient transport system for the benefit of this and future generations.
The review contains a recommended investment strategy that has been broadly endorsed by the Government. While this strategy in effect constitutes the priorities for action, the Government, in adopting the review, recognised that over the 20 year period flexibility and adaptability would be required to take account of emerging land use and settlement policies. Accordingly, it is recognised that in the light of developing business for both passenger and freight traffic it is possible that the rail investment priorities might vary over time.
I have already announced that I will be establishing an implementation group that will be charged with rigorously monitoring the implementation of the rail investment programme and reporting to me quarterly on progress.