Paul McGrath
Ceist:250 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 14 November 2000, she will give the reason the services mentioned have not come on-stream. [22249/01]
Written Answers. - Rail Services.
Iarnród Éireann informs me that the introduction of a new timetable on the line between Maynooth and Dublin commenced last month with the introduction of 20 new diesel railcars on the newly commissioned double track section of the line. The introduction of these services, which were further revised on Monday last, will serve to free up capacity on the services going beyond Maynooth.
Also, as part of the national development plan, Iarnród Éireann has already ordered 60 new diesel railcars which are due to be delivered in 2002 and 2003. These railcars are intended, in part, to replace older rolling stock and will also improve the level of service and comfort available to the travelling public on the Dublin/Mullingar line.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:251 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans she has to develop a western strategic rail corridor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22371/01]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:252 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the discussions which have taken place between her Department and the spatial planning unit of the Department of the Environment and Local Government regarding the development of a western strategic rail corridor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22372/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
I am aware of the interest, from a number of quarters, in the development of a western rail corridor linking Sligo, Galway, Limerick and Cork. Arising from the report "Iarnród Éireann: The Way Forward", my Department will be carrying out a major rail strategy study to develop a long-term approach to rail services. It can be expected that the prospects for a western rail corridor and other proposals which have a regional development dimension will be examined in the course of the study.
My Department is represented on the interdepartmental steering committee overseeing the development of the national spatial strategy. When the strategy is finalised, it will form the basis for specific plans and strategies, including major public transport infrastructure projects, such as regional rail services like the western rail corridor. As this work is developed, it will be linked into rail policy. There have been no specific discussions with the Department of Environment and Local Government to date on this proposal.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:253 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans she has to upgrade the rail service between Dublin and Rosslare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22482/01]
Iarnród Éireann informs me that, in addition to the DART service improvements, it is progressing with the upgrading of the railway track from Greystones southwards to Rosslare. Work on this line commenced in 1999. The work is being done with assistance of Exchequer and EU funding and £2.5 million will have been spent on trackwork in the period to end 2001. Over 17 miles of track will be relaid on the line between Greystones and Rosslare in 2001, with further work taking place in subsequent years.
As part of the national development plan, Iarnród Éireann has ordered 60 diesel railcars for delivery during 2002 and 2003. These vehicles will be used throughout the Iarnród Éireann system, including services on the Dublin to Rosslare line which will improve the quality of service provided for passengers.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:254 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans she has to upgrade the DART service to Bray and Greystones, County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22483/01]
Billy Timmins
Ceist:256 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans she has to extend the DART to Wicklow town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22485/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 256 together.
Since November 2000, Iarnród Éireann has been providing a service on the route between Bray and Greystones. Alterations have been made to the timetable since then to enhance the service and I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the level of service is being kept under review.
There are no plans, at present, to extend the DART service beyond Greystones. As part of the national development plan, 60 diesel railcars were ordered by Iarnród Éireann for delivery in 2002 and 2003. Iarnród Éireann informs me that it is proposed to use these railcars to both replace older rolling stock and improve the level of service on outer suburban routes such as that from Wicklow and Arklow to Dublin.