John Deasy
Ceist:354 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport when the upgrading of the Waterford to Dublin railway line will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10950/03]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
Good progress has been made over recent years on upgrading the railway line from Waterford to Dublin. The work is being undertaken as part of the national safety investment programme under the national development plan.
The work involves renewal of trackwork, the construction of new bridges and the upgrading of level crossings. The track renewal work was completed in 2002 apart from a small section in the immediate vicinity of Thomastown station, which will be completed this year. Resignalling of the line will be completed by 2004 as part of the mini-CTC programme. When the work has been completed, it is estimated that travel times will be reduced by up to ten minutes.