Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Nov 1990

Vol. 402 No. 5

Written Answers. - CIE Rolling Stock.

Dick Roche

Ceist:

221 Mr. Roche asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will examine reports that Iarnród Éireann failed to take steps to provide alternative equipment for the Greystones-Bray rail route; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dick Roche

Ceist:

223 Mr. Roche asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the present position with Iarnród Éireann regarding the availability of rolling stock; if the lack of suitable equipment is now seriously impairing the capacity of the company to operate their rail schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. S. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 223 together.

I have been informed by CIE that, arising from a request from Northern Ireland Railways to return a number of railcars which had been on loan from that company, it will be necessary to reduce on a temporary basis the level of rail services between Bray and Greystones with effect from 26 November 1990. Plans however, have been made for the provision of a substitute shuttle bus service between the two stations to cater for rail passengers. Rail services between Arklow and Dublin via Greystones will, of course, continue to operate on a normal basis.

I am pleased to confirm that I recently gave approval for investment by CIE of £18 million in new railcars. This investment will enable Iarnród Éireann to improve the range of its suburban commuter rail services in the Dublin and Cork areas and will also facilitate improvements in due course in the Bray/Greystones service.

Dick Roche

Ceist:

222 Mr. Roche asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will commence an urgent re-examination of the proposal to extend the DART service form Bray to Greystones; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. S. Brennan)

The Government decided in 1987 that no further consideration should be given to extending the DART system because of the high costs of such development and the state of the public finances. That situation has not changed. However, I am pleased to confirm that I recently gave approval to CIE for investment of £18 million in new railcars, which will be used to enhance suburban rail services, including the Bray/Greystones service.