Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 582: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans regarding the Waterford to Limerick railway line; his views on reports that this line is to be closed along with other lines throughout the country; the amount that has been spent on works on the Waterford to Limerick line over the past five years; his plans to promote rail transport as an attractive public transport option in Munster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32760/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The issues raised are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I should advise the Deputy that any proposals for rail service reductions or line closures require the approval of the National Transport Authority as it is responsible for ensuring best use of Public Service Obligation (PSO) subvention for rail and bus services provided by the CIE group. In this context, I can also advise the Deputy that as a matter of policy, I believe the focus should be on the achievement of cost savings and maximising patronage of the public transport system rather than simply cutting services.