Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

John Curran

Question:

270 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline, as a result of significant investment in new rail cars for Iarnród Éireann, the way in which the investment will affect the rail service to and from Clondalkin station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29098/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Irish Rail will take delivery of 80 new diesel railcars and 76 of them are destined for outer suburban rail services in the Dublin area. Irish Rail plans to allocate an additional 26 railcars to the commuter services operating on the Kildare to Heuston Station corridor that serves Clondalkin.

The level of services through a station is an operational matter for Irish Rail. The company has informed me that as a result of the introduction of the new railcars and timetable, operational from 14 December, there will be 17 services daily in each direction between Clondalkin and Heuston Station. Under the present timetable there are only 16 services daily between Clondalkin and Heuston Station and 15 services daily in the opposite direction. The company will achieve an increase in capacity of 25% on services to and from Clondalkin Station with the increased frequencies and longer trains.