Vol. 577 No. 1
183 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Iarnród Éireann to examine the possibility of bringing forward the upgrading of the signalling system in the city centre between Connolly and Pearse Stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/03]
I am informed by Irish Rail that the present programme for upgrading and increasing the passenger throughout on the DART system has two phases. The first phase of this project is designed to increase train lengths from six to eight cars, by lengthening and upgrading station platforms throughout the DART system. This work is currently in hand and, when completed at the end of 2005, will provide a 30% increase in passenger handling over present capacity.
The company will then immediately move on to phase 2. The city centre area is a bottleneck in the DART and outer suburban network. This second phase is designed to overcome this by resignalling the area in question. The upgraded signalling will allow for an increase in train frequency, from a present maximum of 12 train movements per hour/per direction to 16. This will give a further 30% increase in passenger handling over phase 1.
The works have been scheduled in their present format not only to cause the least possible disruption to the travelling public but also to maximize the efficient use of the company's resources in terms of equipment and technical expertise. Irish Rail informs me that it will exploit any possibility to reduce the timescales of the overall project should such possibilities present themselves.
184 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Iarnród Éireann to bring forward specific proposals under the Heuston Station and south west rail corridor development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30610/03]
Irish Rail has informed me that the Heuston Station redevelopment project is now reaching completion and the new platforms will add greatly to operational efficiency.
In parallel with the Heuston development, Irish Rail has extended platforms at a number of stations along the Kildare Line and a new turnback facility has been constructed at Newbridge. In addition, Irish Rail's new timetable, being introduced on 15 December 2004, will benefit from these developments and commuter capacity will be significantly increased shortly when all 80 new diesel railcars are in service.
In the long-term, quadrupling of a section of the line will be required to cater for future population growth along the corridor. In this regard, Irish Rail is still developing its proposals.
