195 Mr. A. Reynolds asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will report on the progress of work on the Dublin-Sligo railway line; and the timetable for completion in this regard. [7556/01]

Iarnród Éireann has informed me that all the track between Dublin and Carrick-on-Shannon has been renewed with continuously welded rail and the final section to Sligo will be completed over the next two years. Since 1997 in excess of £28 million has been invested in upgrading the rail track between Dublin and Sligo. A further £5 million will be invested in the next two years to complete the final section of track renewal between Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo.

In parallel with the track renewal, substantial work is also being undertaken on bridges, level crossings and fencing on the Dublin to Sligo line.