Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

282 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the most heavily trafficked rail routes at present; the extent to which it is intended or expected to improve, augment or upgrade such services in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17184/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

I am informed by Irish Rail that the most heavily used lines are those used by commuters in the outer Dublin suburban area, the Dublin to Cork line and the Dublin to Belfast line.

The provision of passenger capacities on individual rail routes is an operational matter for Irish Rail. However, I understand from Irish Rail that, between 2000 and the end of 2002 with the introduction of 38 new DART carriages and 20 new diesel rail cars to Dublin suburban rail services, they increased capacity by 100% on the Maynooth-Dublin line and by almost 50% on DART services.

The first phase of the Kildare route enhancement will be introduced later this year. This involves the construction of a turn-back facility at Newbridge and 8-car platforms at Sallins and Hazlehatch.

The delivery of 80 new diesel rail cars to Irish Rail has already commenced and Irish Rail have informed me that they will all be in service by the end of this year. They are destined for use on outer suburban services in the Greater Dublin Area and on the Cork/Cobh line.

The completion of the work on the Kildare line, mentioned above, and the commissioning of the new rail cars will increase peak-hour capacity as follows:

Northern Line	43%
Arklow/Dublin	30%
Maynooth Line	24%
Kildare Line	130%

Irish Rail have recently embarked on Phase 1 of what is known as the DASH project, DART and Suburban Enhancement to cater for the operation of 8-car DARTs. This project will be completed in 2005 and includes the purchase of a further 40 DART cars.

Phase 2 of the DASH project involves the resignalling of the tracks to cater for shorter headways to allow for more frequent trains and to increase the number of trains passing through Connolly station from 10 to 12 trains per hour in each direction. This will allow the operation of more trains in the morning and evening peaks on the Maynooth line.

Irish Rail recently ordered 67 new locomotive hauled carriages for use on the Dublin/Cork line as well as other routes. These trains will provide an increased capacity on the route and increase frequencies where possible. They are due to enter service in 2006.

The train service from Dublin to Belfast was considerably upgraded in 1997 with the provision, in co-operation with the Northern Irish Tranlink company, of new trains to operate the route. Additional capacity on this route is currently under review by Iarnrod Eireann.