Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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127. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the future of the public rail network under Irish Rail; and the way it will be better integrated with the wider public transport network. [4668/15]

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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As the Minister said, there are huge gaps in our rail network and we need better integration with the wider public transport networks. What plans does the Minister have to improve and integrate our rail system and to keep it in public ownership? That is very important. Connectivity in this country is a huge issue. The whole north east has no rail network. Is there any sign that the Minister will consider that? Will he consider a rail link from all major cities to the airport, which is vital?

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to supporting a well-funded public transport system into the future, recognising the vital role it plays in our economy and society generally. I ensured that PSO funding for bus and rail services was maintained at current levels in the last budget, the first time this has happened since 2008.

At the end of 2014 I brought forward a Supplementary Estimate which included additional new funding in the public transport capital investment programme of €101 million to ensure the public transport sector is better placed to address the demands of our economic recovery. A large portion of that amount was targeted at the renewal investment required in the rail network. Irish Rail has also benefitted from increasing passenger numbers with an additional 1 million journeys in 2014. While this increase is welcome and is evidence of a recovering economy, Irish Rail must continue to improve its services and marketing to attract even more people to use its services.

Given the significant funding requirements, it is important that rail users and policymakers are consulted on how best to ensure that rail services continue to meet the needs of users and the contribution of rail to an efficient and effective public transport system generally.

The draft strategic framework for investment in land transport recommends the development of a new rail policy, intended to have regard to social and environmental considerations uniquely addressed by rail, as well as the economic and investment context established in that report. I will be consulting with the NTA on how best to progress this proposal.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Leap card is providing seamless travel between Irish Rail, DART and commuter rail services and bus and Luas services in the greater Dublin area. It is also in the process of being extended to commuter rail in Cork.  The Leap card is already operational on buses in the regional cities of Cork and Galway and recently commenced operation in Limerick.  It will be operational across almost all the country by the end of this year.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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There has been a huge increase in rail passenger numbers, with great potential for further increases. However, rail services are lacking in several parts of the country. For example, in the north east the rail system is practically non-existent. In regard to connectivity in our main cities, I hope that the Minister shares my vision regarding the need for rail connectivity between Dublin, Cork and Limerick and Dublin Airport. The issue of cross-Border ticketing also needs to be addressed.

I took part in three sets of consultations on three different versions of Metro North, which if progressed would have made a huge contribution to employment and to a reduction in car numbers on our roads. The provision of connectivity to Dublin Airport would have resulted in a huge increase in the number of people using our rail network. The Minister said he is currently looking at six projects in this area, including Metro North and the extension of Broombridge station to Dublin Airport. It is vital that connectivity is put in place. However, that is a debate for another day.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I will try to respond to each of the points made by the Deputy. In regard to the north east, I spent all day yesterday, including yesterday evening, in Donegal where I heard first-hand many of the points made today by the Deputy. For example, the county manager made the point that there is more than 6,000 km of road network and between 4,000 and 5,000 bridges in County Donegal. The vast majority of the road network is made up of regional roads, which presents its own challenges in terms of support and maintenance. In regard to what can be done to improve connectivity, as I understand it from my discussions yesterday, the county manager and employers in the region would welcome improvements to the road network in the short to medium term. This year, €10 million has been provided to support the development of key roads in the county. I have also put in place a process to examine the potential use of TEN-T funding in terms of improvements to key roads.

I appreciate the Deputy's points in regard to ticketing. However, it is important to recognise that by the end of this year the availability of the Leap card within the country will have step-changed. It is already making an important contribution to integration of public transport.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. I agree that the Leap card has proven to be very successful and has improved the lives of many commuters. However, I believe there is a need for discussion between the Minister and his counterpart in the North on the cross-Border ticketing issue. It is important that there is connectivity across the whole of the island of Ireland, including Derry and Belfast. We need to look at how we can improve connectivity and in doing so think outside of the box. There is a huge amount of traffic flowing North and South on a regular basis. I urge further consideration of the delivery of a transport system to Dublin Airport. Most European countries have a rail network to their airports. It is a vital cog in most countries in terms of how they work.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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On access to the airport, a matter Deputy Alan Farrell has also raised, we have put in place a process to examine the options that might substantially improve access between Dublin city centre, the airport and Swords. As I told Deputy Timmy Dooley earlier, I aim to have that process completed by the middle of the year to ensure we will be clear on what projects will be involved which will allow us to respond to the points identified by the Deputy.

On the need to invest in public transport and Dublin north-south connectivity, before Christmas I introduced a Supplementary Estimate of €160 million, of which €110 million went directly to public transport. If one ever wanted to have a clearer sign of my Department’s, as well as the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring’s commitment to public transport, it is that we brought forward this Supplementary Estimate. The €110 million allocation went to Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann to give them the support they needed to respond to the needs outlined by the Deputy.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Government also abolished the Minister of State with responsibility for public transport, too.