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Rail Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 May 2004

Tuesday, 4 May 2004

Questions (195, 196, 197)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

218 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has proposals to increase the daily commuter capacity at Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey rail stations over a specific period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12717/04]

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Written answers

I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that, since the introduction of the new timetable in December 2003, capacity has been increased by 24% on the Maynooth route, which serves Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey. This has been achieved by introducing to the route some of the new fleet of 80 diesel rail cars that it took delivery of over the past few months. This latest capacity increase comes on top of a 100% increase achieved in 2001 when the double tracking of the route was completed.

In addition, Iarnród Éireann has recently placed an order for another 36 diesel rail cars, which will be delivered in 2005. It is proposed that some of these rail cars will operate on the Maynooth line to increase capacity further.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

219 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily passenger capacity at the Hazelhatch railway station; if he expects to increase these numbers over a specific period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12718/04]

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Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

220 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily passenger capacity of Sallins railway station; the extent to which it is expected to augment these numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12719/04]

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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.

Question No. 221 answered with QuestionNo. 50.
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