Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects passenger capacity to be increased in the future on the Kildare to Dublin line via Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16091/04]
View answerI understand that the Irish Rail plans to quadruple a section of the rail line between Cherry Orchard and Hazelhatch, as part of the Kildare route project, are now well advanced. This development will enable the separation of intercity and commuting traffic and increase the capacity of the line. I expect to receive shortly details of the proposed project, including cost estimations and timescale. My Department has provided over €600,000 to CIE to assist with the preparation of the railway order application and the company is in the process of completing the draft order. I understand that the application will be submitted to me later this year.
The company has informed me that it has already increased the commuter capacity of the Kildare route by 130% since its new timetable was introduced on 14 December 2003. A number of the new diesel railcars, acquired by Irish Rail in 2003, were assigned to the route to lengthen the trains to eight cars. 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 during peak times.
Irish Rail recently ordered a further 36 railcars identical to those recently placed into service. These new railcars will be used to boost capacity further on outer suburban routes serving Dublin.
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects passenger capacity to increase on the Enfield to Dublin route, via Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16092/04]
View answerI am informed by Irish Rail that, since the introduction of its new timetable in December 2003, capacity has been increased by 24% on the Maynooth route. This has been achieved by introducing to the route some of the new fleet of 80 diesel railcars. 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, Irish Rail has recently placed an order for another 36 diesel railcars, which will be delivered in 2005. Some of these railcars are destined for use on the Maynooth line to increase capacity further.
183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration can be given to the provision of commuter rail spurs in the greater Dublin area in the future with obvious reference to towns or villages experiencing an increase in population yet currently not served by a rail service, including DART or Luas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16093/04]
View answerMy Department, in consultation with the relevant State agencies, is examining the best options for providing effective public transport services to the developing and expanding parts of the greater Dublin area, GDA. The future development of public transport in the GDA is based on expanding the bus and rail networks.
There are a number of major projects underway or planned: (1) the DART is currently being upgraded and when the expanded service opens at the end of 2005, a further 30% increase in capacity will be provided; (2) 36 new diesel railcars are being manufactured for delivery in late 2005 which will be used on commuter lines; (3) Irish Rail is looking at a rail spur off the Maynooth line to Dunboyne and providing four tracks on the Kildare line — in addition, new stations along these lines are planned; and (4) Luas services will commence on the Sandyford line at the end of June and on the Tallaght line at the end of August. In addition, there are a significant number of quality bus corridor projects underway or planned over the coming year or so, designed to improve the operating environment for buses.
Other projects being considered include further extensions to Luas to the Docklands and to Cherrywood and a metro from the city centre to the airport.
