Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 192: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he intends to take to upgrade the rail network in the BMW region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18734/05]

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

Since 2000, significant improvements have taken place on infrastructure and services in the BMW region. In the coming days, Iarnród Éireann will begin to take delivery of a fleet of 36 new diesel railcars, most of which will operate on the Dublin to Sligo route. These railcars will be used to increase the reliability and frequency of services on this route.

In addition, continuous welded rail on concrete sleepers has been put in place on the whole mainline rail network, including those lines serving the BMW region. Iarnród Éireann is currently undertaking a network resignalling project on most of its intercity routes.

The new signalling system on the Galway line was completed in 2003, the Sligo line will be completed later this year and work will begin, early in 2006, on the line from Athlone to Westport and Ballina, finishing in 2007. At that point, all track work and signalling of railway lines serving the BMW region will be of the highest international standards.

To complete the transformation of the rail network, the company will take delivery of a fleet of 120 intercity railcars, beginning in mid-2007. These railcars will operate on routes serving, among others, Galway, Westport and Ballina. Their introduction to service will allow Iarnród Éireann to begin hourly and two-hourly frequencies on almost all of its intercity routes.

Proposals for the future upgrade and development of the rail network are being considered in the context of the multi-annual investment framework for transport, which is being prepared by my Department at present.