Rail Network.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2004

Wednesday, 28 January 2004

Questions (39)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

141 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the progress with regard to his consideration of the strategic rail review; if he accepts all the recommendations made in the report; if it is intended to implement the recommendations; the timeframe over which he believes this could be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2132/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

The strategic rail review provides the Government with a policy framework for the future development of passenger and freight services in Ireland over a 20 year period in a manner consistent with the national spatial strategy.

The board of Iarnród Éireann has now considered the findings of the strategic rail review and their prioritised investment programme, based on the review, has been submitted to my Department and is currently under consideration, in the context of the multi-annual envelope for capital expenditure in transport.

Consistent with the review a number of major projects are already under way, including the DART upgrade project, upgrade of the Kildare line, rolling stock acquisition programme and safety investment.