Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Transport the current capacity of the commuter rail services at Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey stations in County Kildare; the extent to which capacity has been increased in the past five years; the degree to which further thoughput of passengers is possible or achievable; if full compliance with health and safety requirements and the relief of overcrowding is being maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27216/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Irish Rail has significantly increased the capacity of services along the Maynooth rail line over the past five years and is committed to further increases in line with growth in commuter demands. In particular a step change increase in the order of 35% was implemented during peak periods from December 2003 onwards. This was achieved through the introduction of 80 diesel railcars for use on commuter services.

Plans are currently in place to further increase capacity along the line with the deployment of new units of rolling stock to be introduced during 2005. I understand further service enhancements for commuters along this line are currently being planned by Irish Rail.