Vol. 510 No. 1
64 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the improvements to be carried out on the Athlone-Westport-Ballina line in the next 12 months; the extent of track to be laid or upgraded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20845/99]
Iarnród Éireann has informed me that, in line with the schedule set out by the railway safety programme, 1999-2003, the company began work on upgrading 11.5 miles of track on the Athlone-Westport railway line last week. It is planned that this work will be completed before the end of the year. The company also plans to upgrade a further 13.5 miles of track on this line in October 2000. The railway safety programme also provides for further substantial track renewal work on the Westport and Ballina lines during the remaining years of the programme.
In addition, increased maintenance of track and signalling is ongoing on both the Westport line and Ballina branch. Improvement and renewal works are also being carried out to level crossings, fencing and bridges on the line.
