Written answers

Tuesday, 8 February 2005

8:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Transport the level of State capital investment made in Irish Rail's freight business each year from 1997 to date; the areas in which these allocations have been spent in terms of the options for freight, which were set out in the strategic rail review being pursued by Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3658/05]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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While no direct Exchequer capital has been provided to Iarnród Éireann for its freight operations during the period in question, the company has invested approximately €4.5 million from its own resources in container wagons and €3 million in depot cranes. The purchase of this equipment is broadly in line with the relevant recommendations of the strategic rail review.

Since the publication of that review in 2003, the environment in which Iarnród Éireann operates its rail freight has changed radically and the company was obliged to examine its entire rail freight operation. The outcome of this examination was the decision of the company to concentrate on the more profitable elements of the business and generate new business in areas in which it could compete with the highly competitive road freight transport industry.

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for Transport if his recent announcement regarding the purchase of new rail carriages will ensure a non-stop service from Waterford to Dublin and return which will make it possible to travel from Waterford to Dublin in approximately an hour and a half; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3768/05]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by Iarnród Éireann that it is planning to utilise the recently ordered 120 InterCity railcars to provide a much-improved service on all InterCity routes, including the Waterford line, when these trains are delivered in 2007. Its proposals include the provision of a two-hourly each-way service between Dublin and Waterford. The total number of daily services will increase from the current level of five to seven, with all services being operated by the new rolling stock.

Iarnród Éireann has statutory responsibility for the operation of rail services and it is a matter for the company to decide on the scheduling and timetabling of Waterford-Dublin services. However, I understand that Iarnród Éireann is looking at the possibility of introducing a direct Waterford-Dublin service following the introduction of the new rolling stock.

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