264 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications when the programme of upgrading the permanent way on the Cork-Dublin line will be completed in order that passengers can enjoy shorter travel times between the two cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5664/96]

While work on upgrading the permanent way on the Cork-Dublin line will continue until the end 1999 it is expected that passengers will enjoy quicker travel times between Dublin and Cork by December 1996.