Vol. 510 No. 1
49 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on whether Iarnród Éireann and CIÉ in general are capable of providing a satisfactory service with the resources currently at their disposal from the Government and the EU; if she will discuss specifically items such as the condition of the Waterford to Dublin railway line with the board and chief executive of CIE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21709/99]
The provision of rail services is a matter for CIE and Iarnród Éireann.
CIE is being provided with very substantial resources for the maintenance and renewal of the railway infrastructure and the operation of railway services. The State subvention for the railway in 1999 is £89 million. Substantial funding for railway renewal has been provided under the Operational Programme for Transport 1994-99, assisted by EU Structural and Cohesion Funds and from this year by the Exchequer. Earlier this year the Government approved the implementation of a £430 million Railway Safety Programme for the years 1999-03. Further non-safety related investment for the period 2000-06 is being considered as part of the preparation of the forthcoming national development plan.
The Dublin to Waterford line is benefiting significantly from this investment. The railtrack from Dublin to Kilkenny has largely been renewed with continuous welded rail, with the assistance of Cohesion and Structural Funds. Additional EU and Exchequer resources were provided as part of the LUAS light rail project reallocation to complete this work. Renewal of the section from Kilkenny to Waterford will be completed under the railway safety programme by 2003. It is hoped to have the signalling on the line converted to the centralised traffic control system by the end of next year. While very good progress is being made in improving the railways, both CIÉ and myself are in agreement that these improvements need to be continuously built on so that the best possible rail service can be provided for the travelling public.
50 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the measures, if any, being taken to improve the situation on the Clonsilla to Connolly railway line in view of the fears being expressed (details supplied) for the safety of passengers. [21088/99]
Responsibility for ensuring the safety of railway operations rests with Iarnród Éireann. Accordingly, it is a matter for Iarnród Éireann to satisfy itself that the number of passengers being carried in any train or carriage does not compromise overall passenger safety.
