Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Transport Investment.

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

203 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views as to whether an adequate return on the investment recently made from European and domestic public resources in the upgrading of the Dublin-Maynooth railway line will be secured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26903/01]

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

204 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the amount of money that has been spent by Iarnród Éireann on upgrading the Dublin-Maynooth railway line since 1997; the amount of this expenditure which has been financed by the European Union and by the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26904/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.

I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that work on the track between Dublin and Maynooth cost approximately £43 million, 55 million, including the provision of 20 additional diesel railcars which were delivered to Iarnród Éireann to provide enhanced services on the route. Of the total amount invested in the line, 65% came from European Union and 35% from Exchequer funds. Some additional work in relation to level crossings and stations is proceeding satisfactorily and Iarnród Éireann has advised me that this work will be completed shortly.

Iarnród Éireann has informed me that the full service is now in operation and there are 24 services each way daily between 06.40 hours and 23.10 hours, and that there is approximately a 100% increase in peak hour capacity.

In terms of return on investment, the project has added significantly to the level and quality of service on this corridor which is consistent with the Dublin Transportation Office's long-term strategy for developing public transport in the greater Dublin area.