Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the development of a new national rail freight strategy; when the industry and stakeholder forum for the development of freight that was proposed in the new smarter transport document last met; when it will publish any findings; the percentage of the entire Irish rail network that is electrified; and if he has completed any studies on the cost of electrifying the whole of the permanent way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17889/10]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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My Department and the Northern Ireland Department for Regional Development jointly chaired an initial meeting of the All-Island Freight Forum in Dublin Castle on 29 January last. A number of the priority issues were identified, including rail freight and these are now being followed up. The Forum findings will be made known on completion of its work. Matters relating to the development of the rail network, including electrification, are a matter for Iarnród Eireann. However, I understand that Iarnród Eireann has 53kms of electrified track or 2.76% of the network. I understand also that Iarnród Eireann is currently carrying out an exercise to determine the cost of electrifying the track in the greater Dublin area.