Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

166 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport when the four-tracking and electrification of the Kildare rail line between Heuston Station and Hazelhatch will be completed; and if his Department will be able to guarantee the delivery of such services in advance of the construction of the residential housing proposed in the Adamstown local area plan. [13661/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the design and planning of the Kildare route project is in hand and work is proceeding to develop an application to my Department for a railway order. New commuter stations form part of the overall project. Irish Rail state that four-tracking is critical to the development of dedicated commuter services to Adamstown and other new developments along the corridor. The current estimated delivery of the Kildare route project based on phased implementation is 2007. There are no plans to electrify this line.

In the meantime, Iarnród Éireann informs me that the company has commenced taking delivery of 80 new diesel rail cars. Some of these will be used on the Dublin to Kildare service. In addition, it further informs me that platform lengthening at Hazelhatch and Sallins stations to accommodate eight-carriage trains and the new turn-back facility at Newbridge station will all be completed by year-end. These developments, together with the completion of the work this year on Heuston station upgrade and signalling renewal, will serve to increase capacity on the Kildare corridor by 130% by the end of 2003. Iarnród Éireann also informs me that in planning this project and further capacity increases, they have taken account of future developments at Adamstown. Iarnród Éireann has been in discussion with the developers and with South Dublin County Council regarding the provision of a station. The developers have agreed, in principle, to fund the cost.

Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 114.

Question No. 168 answered with Question No. 104.

Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 117.