Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:80 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the full extent of the extra commuter rail services proposed for County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kildare Rail Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:82 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she has included, or will include, Kilcock and Enfield railway station in County Kildare for upgrading to provide for commuter traffic; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 80 and 82 together.
At present Iarnród Éireann are providing a range of commuter rail services on the Dublin-Mullingar line which includes Enfield. There are no proposals under consideration by Iarnród Éireann to extend the range of these services. The upgrading of services and the reopening of stations such as Kilcock is, under the Transport Acts, a matter entirely for Iarnród Éireann.
The Government has recently approved the development of diesel based commuter rail services along the south west rail corridor. The project will cost approximately £12.4 million, of which 50 per cent will be provided by EC Structural Funds. The project involves the development of commuter rail services between Kildare town and Heuston Station, with a dedicated feeder bus service link to the city centre. The main elements of the project are as follows: new or increased outer suburban services based on existing stations at Newbridge and Kildare; new stations to be established at Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin, Hazelhatch (Celbridge) and Sallins (Naas); services to be provided using a combination of existing mainline trains plus two new diesel railcar trains and dedicated feeder bus services, from Heuston Station to the city centre. The new commuter services are expected to commence in early 1994.