Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Transport the capital cost of the forthcoming mini-CTC installation on the Westport Ballina lines; and if these lines will be available on a twenty four hour basis for possible freight services after the mini-CTC installation. [24231/06]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Transport the provisions Iarnród Éireann will make to facilitate potential freight rail traffic at stations along the Westport Ballina lines following the installation of mini-CTC; and if this will include the retention of freight sidings at Castlebar and Claremorris. [24232/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the capital cost of the signalling upgrades on the Westport and Ballina lines is €27.86 million. This covers the signalling at all stations and signalling at all level crossings between stations. The signalling system will be available continuously 24 hours a day for all operational use including passenger and freight. In relation to freight traffic, Iarnród Éireann has informed me that it has recently reintroduced a container service from Ballina to Waterford and that the existing pulpwood traffic from Westport and Ballina to Waterford will continue. This traffic benefits from past investment in the freight yard facility in Ballina and the recent investment in signalling.

I understand that discussions are also being held with another shipping company regarding the potential for a trainload service for containers between Ballina and Dublin Port. The decision by Diageo to withdraw from keg distribution by rail will have an impact on the Claremorris freight facility. However, I understand from Iarnród Éireann that this facility will be retained and that replacement business is being actively sought.