Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Transport if an assessment has been done to ascertain the way in which best to increase the volume of commuters at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch rail stations; if these issues are likely to be addressed in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9931/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Transport if an assessment has been done to ascertain the extent to which daily commuter capacity at Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey railway stations can be increased, with particular reference to the need to encourage the use of public transport; when steps are likely to be taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9932/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

I refer the Deputy to a similar question put to me in this House yesterday to which I replied as follows: The scheduling and timetabling of trains is a day-to-day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann to consider. On the basis of projected demand into the future, Iarnród Éireann has submitted a greater Dublin integrated rail network plan, which proposes the enhancement of all suburban and outer suburban services into Dublin. The proposals are currently being examined by my Department in the context of the ten-year investment framework for transport.

In the meantime, 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 33%. This capacity increase comes on top of a capacity increase of almost 160% delivered on that line in the last 18 months. In regard to the Maynooth-Connolly line, I understand that, in the short-term, Iarnród Éireann plans to place the majority of the 36 diesel railcars on the Sligo-Maynooth-Dublin line to increase capacity and to remove older rolling stock from service. The effect of this will be to increase all commuter trains on the line to eight-car length, giving an immediate capacity increase on some services of 33%.