Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine his proposals for the development of the rail transport system with particular reference to the urgent need to provide an available, acceptable and attractive alternative for commuters; his plans to accelerate the programme to put in place a complimentary parking and bus feeder service with a view to increasing rail use by daily commuters. [18068/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The capacity and frequency of services on the railway network in respect of both intercity and suburban rail has been substantially increased in recent years on foot of improved and extended infrastructure and the acquisition of additional rolling stock.

Transport 21 includes ambitious plans for the expansion of the rail network up to 2015. In the short term, capacity on both intercity and commuter services will be further enhanced with the introduction of 183 new railcars between now and 2009. Their introduction into service will allow Iarnród Éireann to substantially improve capacity, frequency and journey times on all routes. By 2009 Ireland will have one of the newest intercity rail services in Europe.

These improvements are being reflected in the sustained growth in passenger numbers carried by Iarnród Éireann from 32.7m in 1999 to 43m in 2006, making it one of the fastest growing railway networks in Europe. As the Deputy will be aware, capacity on the Kildare line has increased by 160% since 2000. Capacity will be further enhanced with the completion of the Kildare line upgrade in 2010.

In relation to car parking facilities at rail stations, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dail Question 18126/07 of today. Feeder bus services to/from commuter rail stations are operational matters between Iarnród Éireann and bus operators.