Vol. 527 No. 1
72 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans she has to augment the rail feeder service affecting the various towns in North Kildare having particular regard to the need to improve travel times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27961/00]
The north Kildare area is served by the Dublin-Maynooth-Sligo line which serves Leixlip Confey, Leixlip Louisa Bridge, Maynooth and Kilcock stations in north Kildare. The Maynooth line is currently being upgraded through the provision of a second line between Clonsilla and Maynooth. This project will be completed by year end.
Iarnród Éireann has advised me that 16 of the 20 new rail cars ordered for the Connolly to Maynooth line will enter into revenue service 2 January 2001. The remaining four new rail cars will enter service in February 2001. The benefits to the commuters include increased capacity and more frequent services in both directions.
73 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself that adequate safety standards prevail on all commuter and provincial rail routes at present; if passengers in many cases now remain standing for the entire journey on both suburban and provincial routes; if this is in accord with best practice and safety standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27962/00]
The responsibility for ensuring the safety of railway operations is a matter for Iarnród Eireann and is not one in which I have a function.
Iarnrod Éireann has assured me that there are adequate safety standards on all commuter and provincial rail routes.
The company has also advised that the DART and new commuter trains are designed to cater for people standing. InterCity trains on provincial routes have adequate seated capacity except at peak periods, and Iarnrod Éireann has assured me these services are not unsafe.
Additional InterCity rolling stock is being ordered which, when introduced into service, will help to reduce the number of passengers standing. The company has advised that it is also considering a number of measures to further alleviate the situation.
