Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The provision of improved rail services to commuters in Kildare is an integral part of the upgrading of rail services in the greater Dublin area and is one of the important elements of Transport 21. The operation and timetabling of services is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. However, I have been informed by the company that the new and additional services operating between Clonsilla and docklands on the Maynooth line are designed both to provide additional services on the Clonsilla to docklands section to meet growing needs in that catchment area and to relieve pressure on the services serving beyond Clonsilla.

Iarnród Éireann considers that the services now operating on the Maynooth line, including the additional services between Clonsilla and docklands, represent the optimal use of the railway resources for the benefit of its passengers in Dublin and Kildare. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that there are now 35 services each way per day serving between Maynooth, Connolly and Pearse stations, as well as 15 services each way per day, including four peak hour services, serving between Clonsilla and docklands stations.

As for the Kildare line, the priority at present is to complete the Kildare route upgrade project. This project, which involves four-tracking a section of track between Cherry Orchard and Hazelhatch, will enable the separation of long distance and commuter services, thus reducing travel times and offering operational flexibility to increase the amount of services provided. As part of that project, stations are to be upgraded and parking capacity increased. I understand that Iarnród Éireann intends to place contracts for the main construction work in April and June this year.

Iarnród Éireann has advised me that the position regarding the four-tracking of the Kildare line beyond Hazelhatch will be reviewed when planning on the interconnector project is further advanced. In the meantime, Iarnród Éireann has agreed with Kildare County Council to provide in the latter's development plan for future four-tracking, should demand warrant it.

Kildare commuter services have already benefitted from major investment in recent years. Capacity on the Kildare route has increased by 160% through the provision of turn-back facilities at Newbridge, the extension of platforms at Sallins and Hazelhatch and the introduction of new rolling stock as part of the increased investment in public transport under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Capacity on the Maynooth line has been more than trebled in the last five years due to the doubling of the track, resignalling and the upgrading of stations and crossings.

Both lines have also benefited from investment in rolling stock such as the acquisition between 2002 and 2003 of 80 commuter railcars and the more recent entry into service in late 2005 of an additional 36 commuter railcars. The introduction of a fleet of modern intercity railcars to be delivered in the period 2007 to 2009 will release commuter railcars currently being used on intercity routes such as Sligo to Dublin and Rosslare to Dublin for use on the Maynooth line, among others.

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