Vol. 575 No. 1
187 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is intended to increase the passenger capacity of trains from Sallins, County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28033/03]
188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he proposes to increase the capacity of the Arrow service from Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28034/03]
189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the alleviation of overcrowding on the Arrow on the Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28035/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 to 189, inclusive, together.
Iarnród Éireann is currently taking delivery of 80 new diesel rail cars, and approximately 20 of those will be allocated to the Kildare line. Platform extensions at Sallins and Hazelhatch and a new turn-back facility at Newbridge will be completed in time for the introduction of a new timetable for services on the route in December.
The latest information from Iarnród Éireann is that the lengthening of trains will increase capacity by 30%, and with extra services at peak times passengers can expect an overall capacity increase of 130%. Iarnród Éireann has statutory responsibility for ensuring that all the safety requirements of the Transport Acts and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act are complied with on its railway. I am assured by the company that all its services between Kildare and Dublin comply with all such requirements.
190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to alleviate the overcrowding on commuter trains from Enfield, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey, with particular reference for the need to observe health and safety requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28036/03]
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he proposes to provide for extra passenger capacity on the commuter trains from Enfield, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28037/03]
192 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which maximum passenger capacity has been achieved or will be achieved on the western commuter rail link inclusive of Enfield, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28038/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 to 192, inclusive, together.
A much improved service was introduced by Iarnród Éireann on the Maynooth line in 2001 following Exchequer investment of €50 million on doubling the track, new signalling and 20 new diesel rail cars. As a result, additional peak services were introduced, off-peak services were increased and weekend services introduced.
Iarnród Éireann is currently taking delivery of 80 new diesel rail cars for use on Dublin and Cork suburban services, including the Maynooth line. That will facilitate the withdrawal of old carriages and lengthening of trains. Iarnród Éireann has now informed me that peak passenger capacity will be increased by at least 26% from 3,300 to 4,200 on the Maynooth line from the middle of December.
