Vol. 571 No. 1
1088 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann has submitted final proposals in relation to Dublin city centre capacity constraints as referred to in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 311 of 10 April 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21305/03]
Irish Rail has recently begun introducing into service its new fleet of 80 diesel railcars. I understand that the entire fleet will be in service by January 2004. A capacity increase of approximately 25% on the Maynooth line will be delivered at that point.
Irish Rail has also recently commenced the first phase of the DART upgrade project. This will provide additional capacity on Dart services into the city centre area. This phase is due for completion in 2005 and will be followed immediately by phase two. This latter phase will provide additional train paths through Connolly Station allowing up to four additional train movements per direction per hour and will take approximately two years to complete. This project will also add additional capacity on the Maynooth line.
