I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together.
Iarnród Éireann has informed me that it has increased the commuter capacity of the Kildare route by 130% since the new timetable was introduced on 14 December 2003. A number of the new diesel rail cars, acquired by the company in 2003, were assigned to the route to lengthen the trains to eight cars. In addition, new turn-back facilities at Hazelhatch and Sallins were installed to allow more efficient use of the available train paths into and out of Heuston in the peak periods.
A further 36 diesel rail cars have been ordered recently to increase further the capacity on outer suburban routes serving Dublin.
Iarnród Éireann is now proceeding with plans to quadruple a section of the route between Cherry Orchard and Hazelhatch, as part of the Kildare route project, which will enable the separation of inter-city and commuting traffic and increase the capacity of the line. I await the details of the project as part of the railway order process. I understand that the company is in the process of completing the draft order and I understand that the application will be submitted to me in the coming months.