Vol. 510 No. 1
21 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself with progress on the implementation of the £430 million safety investment programme on rail lines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21788/99]
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the main thrust of the programme is being achieved both in terms of the infrastructural safety investment and improved safety management systems.
By the end of this year it is expected that some £80 million will have been invested in rail safety, which is in line with the provision in the programme. In terms of physical works completed I can give the Deputy the following information.
Up to the beginning of this week over 72 miles of the planned 85 miles of track renewal for 1999 had been completed. Major repairs and renewals had been completed on 28 of the planned 45 bridges and remedial work has been completed on 35 level crossings with work continuing on another 35. Improvements to fencing have been completed at nine of the urban locations and work is proceeding on a further nine. Work is proceeding on the planned 34 miles of rural fencing.
Overall, Iarnród Éireann is confident of completing most of the planned works by year's end, but point out that some works, especially in relation to bridges and level crossings, involve a high degree of co-ordination with other parties, most particularly the relevant local authorities and some individual landowners.
