Vol. 503 No. 1
77 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself that adequate safety standards apply in respect of railway stations and services from Enfield to Dublin, including Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey, arising from her recently published safety report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9410/99]
Day to day responsibility for all matters relating to rail safety is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have been assured that rail safety is the company's main priority and is of paramount importance in all aspects of the company's operations.
The Deputy will be aware from the IRMS report, A Review of Railway Safety in Ireland, that the condition of much of the track, signalling and other infrastructure of Iarnród Éireann is poor. However, I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that adequate safety standards do apply in respect of stations and services from Enfield to Dublin where a considerable amount of new track has been laid since the commencement of the IRMS study. Further extensive improvement works, which are ongoing on this line, include the automation of five level crossings, the doubling of the line, platform extensions, the installation of a new signalling system and the purchase of new railcars for the route.
On 24 February I announced that the Government had approved a £430 million five year railway safety programme, prepared by Iarnród Éireann and endorsed by the task force established by the Government. Iarnród Éireann is proceeding with the implementation of that programme.
