Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the problems on the Sligo rail service including overcrowding, poor luggage capacity and a lack of catering services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of services is an operational day-to-day matter for Iarnród Éireann. I am advised by the Company that in December 2005 the frequency of the service between Sligo and Dublin was increased from 3 to 5 trains per day in each direction. New commuter railcars were used as a temporary measure to facilitate this service frequency improvement. I understand that the extra services have been very successful in attracting additional business to rail and during 2006 the volume of passengers using the Sligo line from counties Sligo, Leitrim and Longford has increased by over 15%.

The issue of overcrowding is one of discomfort and inconvenience, rather than a safety concern and this view is in line with the consensus in the railway industry worldwide. In 2007 Iarnród Eireann will replace the commuter railcars on Sligo services with new Intercity railcars which will be very well equipped for journeys of this distance including high seating capacity, good luggage facilities and facilities for the operation of catering trolleys.