Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 359: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which the frequency of trains serving commuters in Celbridge and Sallins, County Kildare, can be increased, mornings and evenings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5068/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 361: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which the passenger carrying capacity of trains from Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch to Dublin and [i]vice versa[/i] can be increased to facilitate the increased demands; and if he will address the potential health and safety risks arising from large numbers of passengers remaining standing on such journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5070/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 361 together.

The scheduling and timetabling of trains is a day-to-day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann to consider. I understand from the company that some of the 36 new diesel railcars due to come into service at the end of this year will be allocated to the Kildare route to extend all trains to eight-car length. This will improve the capacity on individual trains by up to 20%. This capacity increase comes on top of a capacity increase of almost 160% delivered on that line in the past 18 months.

Iarnród Éireann has proposals to double the track on a section of the Kildare line, which will lead to significant capacity increases. I understand that the company is revising some elements of the proposals already submitted to my Department for this project. When the finalised proposals are submitted, they will be assessed and I will respond to the company.

On the health and safety implications of passengers standing on trains, the available studies indicate that there is no evidence to suggest that the net level of risk is increased to an individual from standing in a crowded train.

The Government's commitment to a quality rail infrastructure has recently been underscored by the order of 120 new railcars. It will continue to invest in our railways to deliver a quality service for all passengers.