Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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10. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions his Department is undertaking to address capacity issues on InterCity rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22868/25]

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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This is to ask the Minister what actions his Department is taking to address capacity issues on InterCity and regional rail services, particularly in the context of increased numbers of people using public transport, as the Minister mentioned.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. There is no doubt that the very strong passenger growth in recent years poses some challenges at certain times for the public transport network, including the InterCity rail network.

Like the Deputy, I am eager to see improved rail services rolled out across the network. We know that when people are offered reliable and frequent services, they are more likely to choose public transport. Higher frequency also helps ease capacity issues.

The Government is, therefore, supporting this shift through significant infrastructure investment, which will be critical. This includes funding for key initiatives such as the DART+ programme; the new DART+ fleet, which is being tested in Inchicore and which I expect to be tested shortly on the northern line, in particular; the proposed replacement of the Enterprise fleet; and the introduction of 41 new InterCity railcars.

Iarnród Éireann has experienced strong post-Covid growth in passenger demand, matched by record investment to expand services. Capacity and service delivery continue to be considered in every decision we make.

To meet demand, Iarnród Éireann is deploying all available fleet during peak times. In 2024, 41 additional InterCity railcar carriages were introduced, boosting capacity on key routes, in particular, Sligo, Galway, Westport and Belfast. Its DART+ fleet investment will deliver 185 electric and battery-electric carriages in the coming years, with more planned. We have taken possession of the first order of them. The first units have begun arriving and will enter service in 2026, following testing and approval.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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The issue of overcrowding on services, particularly at peak times in and out of Galway city at stations such as Athenry has been raised with me. I have met Irish Rail to discuss this. For example, we have only two carriages on the first train arriving into Galway city at 8.10 a.m. every day. We have seen serious overcrowding and it has been a safety issue.

As the Minister mentioned, there are new carriages arriving in Dublin. They will not become operational until 2026. Irish Rail has informed me that once these new carriages become operational in Dublin, the diesel carriages that are currently being used there can be moved to regional routes but that will be dependent on the new stock passing testing, etc. There is no real guarantee for commuters experiencing delays and capacity constraints right now that the position will improve. The passing loop at Oranmore will allow for more regular services but that is further down the line. We have a serious issue in the interim. Is the Minister looking at a solution to that?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The new InterCity railcars are being tested right now. We have received them. As the Deputy correctly said, Iarnród Éireann mentioned to him that once they come into use in 2026 additional railcars will then be provided to other routes.

Two carriages on a train at peak times is, I would suggest, insufficient. I am sure the Deputy has raised that specific issue about that train service with Iarnród Éireann. On the basis of the Deputy's intervention here, we will too.

The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, has already referenced in response to previous questions the very significant work that is happening around Oranmore station redevelopment and track works. There will be a new platform and a passing loop at Oranmore Station. That was granted planning permission last February and construction is expected to start by the end of this year. That will greatly increase capacity and frequency, in particular, on that service.

It needs to happen. We are being told it will commence by the end of this year.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome the Minister's commitment to raise this issue with Irish Rail. I will also raise the lack of early morning services into the city. As I have mentioned, that first train arrives at 8.10 a.m. Again, there are restrictions with the single track but is that going to be looked at? There are issues with morning services being late. I ask the Minister to engage with Irish Rail on that and on the need for more services later into the evening for commuters returning home.

Will the Government look at fully double-tracking the line from Athenry to Galway? The passing loop at Oranmore is very welcome but it will not future-proof our rail services against increased demand. We have growing towns and villages. If the western rail corridor is to be reopened and if we are to build a proper commuter rail service, we will need full double-tracking. I urge the Minister to progress that.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, has direct responsibility for the all-island rail review. I expect that matters such as the double-tracking the Deputy has mentioned will be considered as part of that. On timetables, punctuality and reliability, the management of timetables is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. Where specific matters are raised in questions here, we note them and feed them back to the company. I am sure the Deputy does likewise for his constituents. The reliability of the train service is generally very good across all of our routes. Where issues arise, they certainly need to be addressed. The previous Government embarked on the most significant investment in our rail network across the country we have seen in decades and this Government will accelerate it. It takes time to build that infrastructure. I have already given the examples of Kent Station, Ceannt Station and Waterford. I have visited the rail line at Shannon Foynes Port, which is under construction and being tested right now. Good things are happening. The NDP gives us the opportunity to seek additional capital to do more things.