Vol. 536 No. 2
159 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the additional capacity she intends to provide on the Cork-Dublin intercity train route under the national development plan, the timetable for this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13634/01]
The national development plan makes provision for the investment of £500 million in mainline rail. This investment will focus on the completion of the railway safety programme and a renewal/upgrading programme.
Iarnród Éireann has informed me that as part of its programme to upgrade mainline rail services, it has commenced a procurement process for at least 20 new mainline rail carriages. The normal timeframe for the delivery of a rail carriage is two to three years from contract.
Iarnród Éireann has advised me that the primary purpose of these new rail carriages will be to substantially enhance the quality of mainline rail services, including the Cork-Dublin service.
