Cecilia Keaveney
Question:151 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport his plans to discuss a Dublin to Derry train service with his counterparts in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34078/04]
View answerThursday, 16 December 2004
Questions (151)
Written answers
I refer the Deputy to an answer given to a similar question in July of this year. The position is that rail services between Dublin and Derry involve an interchange at Central Station, Belfast. While Iarnród Éireann jointly operates and markets Dublin to Belfast services, Belfast to Derry services are the responsibility of Translink and Northern Ireland Railways.
The scheduling and timetabling of trains is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and Translink to decide. I understand, however, that Translink is introducing a new fleet of railcars on its network and their introduction into service may leave the way clear for faster connections at Belfast for trains operating between Derry and Belfast.
Iarnród Éireann has no immediate plans to operate through services between Dublin and Derry, which is already served several times per day by Bus Éireann, and twice per day by a Department sponsored air service.