Northern Ireland Railways - Operations Department - Irish Railways Today and Plans for the Future - IRN Messageboards - IRN - Irish Railway News - Message Board - Yuku

RSS
Email

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Northern Ireland Railways

Author	Comment
bancc2	Enterprise Assembly Questions	#261	[-]
Posts: 335 (01/06/09 23:04:56) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Enterprise Service Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Regional Development for an estimate of the cost of providing separate generator functions to avoid the use of head-end power on the Enterprise service. (AQW 7925/09) Minister for Regional Development: In conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, Translink are assessing a number of options for reconfiguring generator power supplies on Enterprise trains. The estimated costs at this time range from £1 million - £3 million. When final designs and costs are available a business case will be prepared to assess each option. Enterprise Service Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the progress in introducing a clock face timetable on the Enterprise, and to identify any potential stumbling blocks including additional rolling-stock requirements. (AQW 7926/09) Minister for Regional Development: A business case was prepared by Northern Ireland Rail and Iarnród Éireann which examined the options for increasing the frequency of the Enterprise service to an hourly basis. Due to the capital and revenue cost of refurbishing and running surplus rolling stock held by Iarnród Éireann, no commitment was given to the introduction of frequency improvements in the foreseeable future. However, the two railways companies are exploring the scope for improving the reliability of the rolling stock on the Enterprise line. Enterprise Service Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail Translink's plans to introduce new rolling stock to facilitate additional Enterprise services. (AQW 7927/09) Minister for Regional Development: A business case was prepared by Northern Ireland Rail and Iarnród Éireann which examined the options for increasing the frequency of the Enterprise service to an hourly basis. Due to the capital and revenue cost of refurbishing and running surplus rolling stock held by Iarnród Éireann, no commitment was given to the introduction of frequency improvements in the foreseeable future. There are, therefore, no plans to introduce new rolling stock to the Enterprise service. However, the two railways companies are exploring the scope for improving the reliability of the rolling stock on the Enterprise line.
Retro Herbie		#262	[-]
Posts: 333 (01/06/09 23:11:56) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	its now official what most of us have known for months modelshopbelfast.com - something very tasty's cooking!
Gordy712		#263	[-]
Posts: 289 (03/06/09 13:55:19) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Retro Herbie wrote: the ones on the south side of the station near the old junction Theres new point work and track sitting ready to be relayed here today
delaysman		#264	[-]
Posts: 189 (10/06/09 12:25:44) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Was told at a Railway Passenger Group meeting on 09.06.2009 that Northern Ireland Railways intends to use the Caf 4000s on the shorter runs like Belfast to Lisburn, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Bangor and use the Caf 3000s on the longer runs to Larne, Portadown, Newry, Portrush and Derry/ Londonderry. This was from a senior Translink official.
bancc2	NI Assembly Question	#265	[-]
Posts: 336 (15/06/09 21:24:49) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Enterprise Service Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) all of the sections of railway track on the Dublin line between Belfast Central and the border which are not certified for 90mph running; and (ii) all of the temporary speed restrictions in place. (AQW 7924/09) Minister for Regional Development: Translink have provided the attached table which details the sections of the track which are subject to permanent speed restrictions, and gives the specific restriction at each individual location. There is only one temporary speed restriction currently in place and this is also provided. The temporary speed restriction will be removed after bridge repair work is completed. This work is scheduled for completion August/September 2010 under the current programme for repairs. PERMANENT SPEED RESTRICTIONS Location Mileposts MPH Comments Adelaide - Balmoral (DOWN line) 110.75-111.50 60 Curvature, Points & Crossings Balmoral - Finaghy (DOWN line) 110.00-110.75 80 Curvature Derriaghy - Hilden 106.75-106.00 80 Curvature Hilden - Knockmore 106.00-104.75 70 Curvature Knockmore - Trummery (UP & DOWN line) 104.75-99.00 60 Track condition (Knockmore to Lurgan Relay Project to address) Trummery - Moira (UP & DOWN line) 99.00-98.00 70 Track condition (Knockmore to Lurgan Relay Project to address) Lurgan (UP line) 93.75-92.50 70 Track condition (Knockmore to Lurgan Relay Project to address) Lurgan (DOWN line) 92.00-93.25 70 Track condition (Knockmore to Lurgan Relay Project to address) Lurgan - Portadown (UP line) 88.75-87.75 80 Curvature Portadown Station 87.75-87.25 60 Points & Crossings Portadown Station & Approach 87.25-86.75 40 Curvature Portadown - Scarva 86.75-85.50 70 Bogland Portadown - Tandragee 85.50-85.25 60 Curvature Portadown - Scarva 85.25-84.75 70 Bogland Portadown - Scarva 84.75-79.75 85 Curvature Scarva - Poyntzpass 79.75-77.00 70 Curvature Poyntzpass Curves 77.00-76.50 45 Curvature Poyntzpass - Newry 76.50-70.75 70 Curvature Knockanarney - Newry 70.75-70.25 60 Curvature Newry - Meigh 70.25-65.75 75 Curvature Newry - Meigh 65.75-64.75 60 Wellington Cutting / Curvature Advoyle - Border 62.00-61.75 70 Bogland TEMPORARY SPEED RESTRICTIONS Location Mileposts MPH Comments Poyntzpass - Newry (UP & DOWN line) 74.75 40 Bridge Condition
Cyberbeagle		#266	[-]
Posts: 217 (17/06/09 11:59:07) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	delaysman wrote: Was told at a Railway Passenger Group meeting on 09.06.2009 that Northern Ireland Railways intends to use the Caf 4000s on the shorter runs like Belfast to Lisburn, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Bangor and use the Caf 3000s on the longer runs to Larne, Portadown, Newry, Portrush and Derry/ Londonderry. This was from a senior Translink official. Any particular reasoning?
Retro Herbie		#267	[-]
Posts: 339 (17/06/09 17:39:04) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	edit - double post modelshopbelfast.com - something very tasty's cooking! Last Edited By: Retro Herbie 17/06/09 21:07:39. Edited 1 times.
Retro Herbie		#268	[-]
Posts: 340 (17/06/09 17:40:18) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	prob to do with acceleration from stops and the 4000s will have less tables and toilets but more seats modelshopbelfast.com - something very tasty's cooking!
Cyberbeagle		#269	[-]
Posts: 219 (17/06/09 20:40:22) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Retro Herbie wrote: prob to do with acceleration from stops and the 4000s will have less tables and toilets but more seats Hmmm... a reason that makes sense...
bancc2	Translink: C.E.O.'s Weekly Message	#270	[-]
Posts: 340 (22/06/09 19:10:26) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	News from our Infrastructure Division 19 June 2009 Dear Colleagues, I thought I'd update you on some of the huge amount of work our Infrastructure Division are completing or have underway. The new rail station at Newry will be completed later this year, including a new link road and 300 park and ride spaces. Progress is being made towards (Planning approval is being sought for) a new train maintenance facility at the former Adelaide Freight Yard for the 20 trains currently being procured. Last weekend, new signalling was commissioned at Antrim including the repositioning of a signal and changes to signal controls; this will assist with reducing journey times when a new timetable is introduced in the autumn. Over 3 weekends in June 5 bridge decks will be replaced and waterproofing renewed on 8 bridges between Antrim and Ballymena. This is part of a £1.3million programme of work to the bridges between Antrim and Coleraine. The engineering work on the rail line between Ballymena and Coleraine is nearing completion and the line is scheduled to reopen on Monday 29th June. The next phase of the Londonderry Line track upgrade between Coleraine and Derry is progressing with the recent appointment of the Project Managers. Also on the rail network switch and crossing units at Dargan Bridge are being replaced, weed spraying is ongoing and fencing is being upgraded. Ultrasonic rail testing is currently being carried out network wide to identify any potential defects in the rail. This great work by our infrastructure colleagues will result in better services for our customers and reflect the investment going into our rail network. Of course, it would not be possible without funding from Government and the help and support of many of you from other parts of Translink to keep our customers informed and keep services running while the work is underway. Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive
Deeper Underground		#271	[-]
Posts: 103 (22/06/09 22:06:14) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Have they finally got rid of that stupid time delay signal at the South end of Antrim station?
Deeper Underground		#272	[-]
Posts: 104 (25/06/09 22:39:48) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Was in Cultra tonight and had a mooch around the station building which was spot listed around a year ago. I came to the conclusion that the spot-list must be about to run out, as someone has very deliberately prised the boards from two of the windows with no sign that anyone did any other damage and it is now wide open for vandals and arsonists.
bancc2	Antrim Signalling	#273	[-]
Posts: 344 (26/06/09 09:41:23) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	A signal has been repositioned at Antrim to allow northbound and southbound trains to enter the station simultaneously
Wilkinstown		#274	[-]
Posts: 405 (26/06/09 09:56:56) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Does this mean that the operational length of the northbound platform has been reduced ?
bancc2		#275	[-]
Posts: 346 (26/06/09 22:36:54) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Wilkinstown wrote: Does this mean that the operational length of the northbound platform has been reduced ? The northbound platform (No. 1) has not been affected. Signal CL256 has been moved 53 metres towards the end of platform 2 to create an overlap avoiding a set of points - No 828 I believe.
bancc2	NI Assembly Questions	#276	[-]
Posts: 349 (29/06/09 23:43:54) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	NI Railway Trains Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if EU funding was obtained for the new NI Railway trains. (AQW 8259/09) Minister for Regional Development: EU funding was not obtained to assist with the purchase of new trains for the railway network here as the project did not satisfy any of the conditions of the various EU funding programmes. NI Railways Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if NI Railways has a preservation order on the signal box at Castlerock, if not, does it intend to obtain one. (AQW 8338/09) Minister for Regional Development: Translink have advised me that there is no preservation order on this signal box and there are no plans to obtain one. Note from bancc2: Is this Assembly Member joking? Castlerock has what could be described as a temporary structure (though it has been there for some years) since the attractive NCC signal box was demolished. NI Railways Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if NI Railways intends to fit GPS tracking devices to all its road vehicles, including staff cars. Note from bancc2: Surely he must have some reason for asking this question? Does anyone know what it is? (AQW 8341/09) Minister for Regional Development: Translink have advised me that they do not intend to fit tracking devices to their road vehicles.
bancc2	NI Assembly Question	#277	[-]
Posts: 353 (07/07/09 18:55:32) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Knockmore Railway Line Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any work or studies which have been carried out on the Knockmore Railway line in the Crumlin area within the past 3 months. (AQW 8661/09) Minister for Regional Development: Translink has not carried out any work or studies on the Knockmore Railway Line in the Crumlin area within the past 3 months and any studies undertaken by outside parties would need to involve liaison with the relevant authorities. I commissioned a study to consider the possible long term social, physical and economic developments which could be achieved through the enhancement of the railway line along the Northern Railways Corridor. The study will include the Knockmore to Antrim railway line. The report on the findings of the study is expected later this year. In 2007 a study by an inter-departmental steering group, which looked at the options for future railways investment here, found that there was no case, at that time, for bringing that section of the line back into service. There are limits to the amount of public funding that can be reasonably expected to be allocated to railway services and thus prioritisation of projects within the context of overall capital priorities is necessary. Additionally the revenue consequences of running such a line and the impact on the public service obligation would need to be considered.
trackie1		#278	[-]
Posts: 130 (08/07/09 07:25:26) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Just my observations on NIR 1. cross border line south of Newry is in poor condition and the enterprise service is very slow compared with the Cork Dublin line. 2. Every rail station seems to be accessed only by crossing a motorway or main road. 3. Newry rail station seems to be a long way from the town
mountaintrain		#279	[-]
Posts: 16 (08/07/09 07:38:36) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I suppose you could move it nearer to the town - but then it wouldn't be so near the railway.
Wilkinstown		#280	[-]
Posts: 410 (08/07/09 22:55:12) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	trackie1 wrote: Just my observations on NIR 1. cross border line south of Newry is in poor condition and the enterprise service is very slow compared with the Cork Dublin line. 2. Every rail station seems to be accessed only by crossing a motorway or main road. 3. Newry rail station seems to be a long way from the town Having a station some distance from the town centre is not necessarily a bad thing given that a high proportion of rail passenegers tend to drive to the station anyway. Obviously it is a bit of a pain for shoppers heading to Newry but for people travelling to Dublin or Belfast it is no great impediment. In fact the biggest handicap at Newry in recent years has been the absence of adequate car parking, an issue that will be resolved when the "new" station is finished. While the Enterprise may be marginally slower than the Dublin to Cork service, neither service matches promised journey times (Belfast - 95 minutes, Cork 135 minutes) or journey times which were routine more than twenty years ago. Outside of the peak periods it is relatively easy to beat the advertised train time on either route by car. When additional sections of motorway are in place the journey time difference will be even more significant and will make the rail service even less attractive for time conscious travellers. Given the addiction of Irish Rail to undemanding schedules, designed to deliver apparently sparkling performance statistics irrespective of poor track maintenance and operating inefficiencies, it seems unlikely that the current state of affairs will change any time soon.

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Quick Reply