Vol. 556 No. 5
171 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport when the reported 80 new rail cars bought by Iarnród Éireann will be commissioned; when they will be available to passengers; and if any of these new rail cars will service the Dundalk to Dublin line. [20904/02]
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that delivery of the new railcars is imminent. Deliveries will continue on a phased basis thereafter. A commissioning process is required for each set of cars and I understand this will commence immediately each set is delivered. The first of the new railcars will enter revenue service in summer 2003. All of them are expected to be in revenue service by autumn 2003 as they complete their commissioning. A number of the railcars are destined to replace the older Craven and push-pull train sets currently in use on all outer suburban routes into Dublin, including Dundalk.
