Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 417: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on plans to upgrade the rail service between Sligo and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23908/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In the coming months, Iarnród Éireann will take delivery of new diesel railcars, which, following a period of commissioning will be introduced into service on the Sligo to Dublin line. When introduced on the Sligo line, they will replace the 30 year old life expired locomotive hauled carriages. From December 2005, the company will increase the frequency of trains between Sligo and Dublin from the current three per day in each direction to five per day in each direction.

To prepare the way for the introduction of the new rolling stock and the more frequent train service, the infrastructure and stations along the line are being substantially upgraded. All the track on the line has now been relaid with continuous welded rail, the signalling system is currently being renewed with new computer controlled equipment, and each of the stations is being provided with upgraded platforms in line with current safety standards. In total €150 million will have been expended on track, platforms, signalling, stations and trains on the Sligo line by the time the new services commence this coming December.