Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received from Bus Átha Cliath or Iarnród Éireann proposals for an enhanced feeder bus service to meet the requirements of commuters using the rail stations of Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey, Hazelhatch, Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin and Athy; if an assessment has been carried out to determine the extent to which road traffic congestion could be alleviated as a result of such measures; if he proposes to take initiatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32997/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Transport if he intends to further increase the daily commuter throughput at each rail station throughout County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32999/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Transport when it is intended to increase rail and bus services to Kilcock, County Kildare having particular regard to repeated requests from consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33001/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which the daily commuter capacity at each rail station throughout County Kildare has been increased in the past five years; his plans for further improvements in this area in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33002/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 115, 117 and 118 together.

The capacity and frequency of rail services on the Maynooth and Kildare lines have increased substantially in recent years. Capacity, for example, on the Kildare and Maynooth lines has increased by 125% and 250% respectively since 2000. In addition, the opening of the Docklands Station has enabled Iarnród Éireann to operate extra services between Clonsilla and Docklands on the Maynooth line. The completion of the Kildare Route upgrade project in 2010 and the Maynooth line development programme will further improve services on both lines. Iarnród Éireann have been asked to provide the Deputy with data regarding passenger throughput at each station in Co. Kildare.

The provision of bus services, including, feeder bus services to railway stations, is a matter for bus transport providers including Bus Éireann. It is open to any private bus operator to submit proposals to my Department seeking authorization to operate new bus services.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Transport the full intended extent of increased car parking spaces anticipated for each rail station throughout County Kildare in the next five years; when it is intended that the extra spaces will become available in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33000/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Transport if in view of the ongoing increased costs on motorists and the need to encourage the use of public transport, he will take steps to increase free car parking spaces at all rail stations throughout County Kildare and the greater Dublin area and to desist from the growing practice of charges for car parking spaces which are counter to an incentive to use public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33004/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 120 together.

The provision and operation of car parking facilities at railway stations, including the imposition of charges towards the costs thereof, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand that Iarnród Éireann has already provided information to the Deputy regarding existing and proposed car parking capacity at railway stations in Co. Kildare.