HL Deb 28 October 2002 vol 640 c3WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of the investment in excess of £100 million aided by the European Union on the railway line between Belfast and Dublin, why punctuality on the service is, according to Translink figures, only 71 per cent. [HL5984]

Lord Williams of Mostyn:

Translink has advised that the punctuality of the Enterprise Service has been adversely affected by temporary speed restrictions imposed to facilitate essential engineering work on the Belfast to Dublin line, by difficulties in scheduling the very large volume of rail traffic into Connolly station in Dublin and by some train mechanical problems. Translink has further advised that it is working with Iarnrod Eireann to redress the situation and action plan are being developed by its mechanical engineering teams to improve the reliability and punctuality of trains on the route.