Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 792: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to upgrade the Dublin to Westport rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25088/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of rail services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand, however, that the company currently operates three services per day on the Westport to Dublin route. It is proposed to increase the service to five per day when Iarnród Éireann takes delivery of its new fleet of intercity diesel multiple unit trains in 2007. These new railcars will replace all existing rolling stock on west of Ireland routes, including the Westport line.

In the past few years, Iarnród Éireann has renewed the track on the Westport line with continuous welded rail. My Department has approved funding for the resignalling of the Westport-Ballina line and this work will be completed in 2007. Significant investment has also been made in bridges, fencing and level crossing improvements along this route. In addition, a programme of automation of existing manned level crossings is underway on the Westport line.