Vol. 555 No. 3
231 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to enhance or improve the extent and availability of commuter rail services for Naas, Sallins and Clane, with a view to the possibility of providing rail spurs to facilitate this growing area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18575/02]
Iarnród Éireann informs me that it is planned to increase capacity on suburban rail services on the Dublin to Kildare line by 130% by end 2003 through: the deployment of new diesel railcars, the first batch of which are due for delivery shortly; through new extended platforms at Heuston Station which project, to be completed by end 2003, includes the provision of additional platforms, resignalling and improved trackwork on the approaches to the station, and through other infrastructural work, including lengthening of platforms at existing stations along the way, and a new turnback facility at Newbridge.
Planning and design work to increase the track capacity between Heuston and Hazelhatch is currently under way. This project, on completion, will provide a further increase in commuter capacity on the Kildare Line.
Questions Nos. 232 and 233 answered with Question No. 226.
234 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the rolling stock requirements of the rail service have been met or are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18578/02]
CIE has recently submitted a proposal to my Department, seeking Exchequer assistance to acquire new rail carriages for mainline rail services. I expect to be in a position shortly, to convey my decision regarding Exchequer assistance for these proposals.
In addition, early next month, Iarnród Éireann will take delivery of the first batch of 80 new diesel rail cars for use on commuter services. Iarnród Éireann has also placed an order for 16 new DART cars and expects to place an order for a further 24 DART cars in the very near future to further expand the capacity of the DART network.
Question No. 235 answered with Question No. 114.
