Vol. 542 No. 3
97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the degree to which the upgrading of both the commuter and provincial rail service has been completed; if she is satisfied the completed works are in accordance with costs and expectations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24569/01]
The national development plan which runs from 2000 to 2006 is designed to bring infrastructure generally, and transport in particular, in Ireland up to a level compatible with the demands of a growing economy and to prepare the ground for sustainable growth into the future.
Under the plan, a significant investment programme is being put in place to improve the safety of the network, to increase the physical capacity of the system and to improve the quality, reliability and speed of services. Good progress is being made on all aspects of the programme as is evident from the following: 16 DART cars entered into service this year and a further 12 cars are on order; 221 miles of track have been renewed and 120 miles of fencing completed; 80 diesel rail cars are on order for delivery in 2002-03 and Dublin to Maynooth services have been upgraded and extended. The costs associated with this programme are currently being monitored by a committee in my Department.
