Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Transport the position in relation to Iarnród Éireann's review of ticketing and rail practices as stated in Parliamentary Question No. 488 of 21 March 2006; if the review is in progress or if it has been completed; the present stage of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20149/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The structure of rail fares is a matter for Iarnród Éireann.

I understand that the company is currently engaged in a review of all fare structures. It is expected that this review will be completed by the end of the year.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether the proposals in Transport 21 in regard to the proposed changes in the national mainline services will provide for and address the facility of the Arrow service to Athy and Carlow and improve the Dublin to Waterford service; the cost of this aspect of Transport 21 to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20150/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Commuter services from Carlow and Athy to Dublin are currently provided by a combination of local and InterCity trains.

In March 2006 the service was improved by the addition of an extra morning peak service to Dublin. Morning services for commuters from Carlow to Dublin depart at 06.30, 07.18 and 08.45. Return evening services to Athy and Carlow leave Dublin at 16.25, 18.25 and 19.45.

By 2008 a new fleet of railcars is to be introduced across all intercity routes at a cost of €324.3 million. Services on the Waterford route will be boosted significantly when they begin operating from 2007. This will allow Iarnród Éireann to increase frequency to every 2 hours each way, with high quality carriages offering greater comfort.