Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent of the upgrading of the commuter rail services throughout County Kildare that has taken place in the past five years; the proposals for the further development in this area over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47221/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Major improvements have taken place on the Kildare and Maynooth lines in recent years. Capacity on the Kildare Line has been increased by 160% in recent years. In addition platform extensions allowing for longer trains, introduction of Sunday services and the turnback facility at Newbridge have facilitated better services. The Kildare Route Upgrade Project which is currently under construction and due to be completed in 2010 will more than treble capacity for commuters on the line.

The position in regard to the improvement of railway services on the Maynooth line is that capacity has been trebled in the last five years. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it plans to re-signal the line and to close a number of level crossings to improve journey times. The line will also be electrified as part of the re-alignment of the Dart services which is a necessary precursor for the Dart Underground. I understand from Iarnród Eireann that both the re-signalling and electrification should be completed by 2013.