Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Nov 2000

Vol. 527 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

69 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current position in relation to the upgrading of the rail line through Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27958/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

70 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when the upgrading of the rail line from Kilcock to Confey, via Maynooth and Leixlip, County Kildare will be completed and fully operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27959/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

71 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the planned increase in rolling stock for use on the Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, County Kildare rail routes; when such improvements are likely to be put in place; the benefits likely to accrue to commuters, including the likely number of extra passengers to be carried; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27960/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 70 and 71 together.

I refer the Deputy to my response to Questions Nos. 75, 76 and 77 on 19 October 2000 and 191 on 24 October 2000.

The most up to date position from Iarnród Éireann is that 16 of the 20 new railcars will enter into revenue service on the Connolly to Maynooth service on 2 January 2001, with the remain ing four going into service in February 2001. The benefits to the commuters include increased capacity and more frequent services in both directions.