Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1127: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will sign the railway order for the Kildare Route Project; the reason for the delay in signing same since his announcement of his intention to grant the railway order on 13 August 2006; and the estimated timetable for the completion of the project. [29970/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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On 13 August last, I announced my decision to grant the railway order for the Kildare rail project, in line with the recommendations of the Inspector to the public inquiry into the project. On that basis, the draft order has been sent to the Office of the Attorney General for legal drafting.

When that process is complete, the order will be submitted to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for his consent for the provisions of the order affecting roads and I will sign the order immediately thereafter.

In the meantime, I understand Iarnród Éireann has commenced enabling works and is proceeding with detailed design and procurement, with a view to the completion of the project in 2009.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1128: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the demand that exists for Sunday services on the existing Arrow line serving Sallins and Hazelhatch in County Kildare; if he has had correspondence on this issue or meetings with representative groups; and the plans he has to introduce such a service shortly. [29971/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Iarnród Éireann has informed me that the company is currently carrying out an examination into the possibility of commencing a service on the Kildare route on Sundays. This exercise will include an examination of the demand for the service, the effect of introducing such a service on existing services and the availability of rolling stock and staff to operate such a service. A decision will be made in time for the December 2006 timetable change. Iarnród Éireann has regular meetings with representative groups of train users in Sallins and Naas to discuss this and other operational issues.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1129: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the rail fares being charged to suburban customers using Sallins and Kilcock rail stations compared to stations within the inner suburban core area; and if the review of suburban rail fares promised by Iarnród Éireann is complete. [29972/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I have no function in this matter. The structure of rail fares is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann.