Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

68 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the upgrading work on the railway line from Westport to Castlebar is taking place; if the contractors are on site; if the contractors have been paid for work already done; if there is funding in place to continue and complete this work; the amount which has been spent on the upgrading of the railway line section to date; the amount it will cost to complete the work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12286/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The matter to which the Deputy refers is a day-to-day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have no statutory function.

A total of 9.25 miles of track between Castlebar and Westport was planned for upgrading in the current year. To date, seven miles have been relaid and the remaining 2.25 miles will be relaid towards the end of May. Contractors were engaged to carry out preliminary works associated with the relaying, including bridge and culvert renewals. Contractors' invoices are currently being processed, some having been paid already. The total budget for this work amounts to approximately €5.1 million and it is expected that all work will be completed for that amount.