John Dennehy
Ceist:375 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed new train carriages for the Cork-Cobh line; and if he will make a statement on infrastructure developments for the Cork-Dublin line. [16585/03]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
Responsibility for the operation of rail services, including the rolling stock to be used and development of infrastructure is a day-to-day matter for Irish Rail. However, I understand that Irish Rail is currently taking delivery of 80 new diesel rail cars for use on the Cork-Cobh Line and on Dublin commuter lines. To date, 24 of these units have been delivered and are currently undergoing commissioning. Irish Rail expects that all units will be delivered by September and in service by year-end. Four of these will be used for the Cork-Cobh commuter service and will be in service before end 2003. This will mean an increase in capacity of 120% and more frequent services on the line.
Irish Rail has recently placed an order for 67 new mainline carriages. These carriages will be used primarily on the Cork-Dublin line and will allow a cascade of rolling stock onto other services and allow Irish Rail to replace older carriages within its fleet. The increased operational flexibility associated with the new rolling stock will allow an increase in frequency with one additional service each way between Dublin and Cork and an additional service each way between Galway and Dublin.
Irish Rail has been investing in infrastructure on all routes, including Dublin-Cork, as part of the 1999-2003 safety programme. This work is currently ongoing. The track is complete with continuous welded track and speed restrictions have been removed so trains are now capable of travelling up to 100 miles per hour.
Developments in Heuston Station are also having a positive effect on the inter-city service with increased capacity in the station with four additional platforms being provided, together with resignalling and a realignment of trackwork on the approaches to the station.