Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

626. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve the rail network throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42367/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department and the National Transport Authority are working with Iarnród Éireann to increase the efficiency and attractiveness of existing rail services.

The Government continues to provide substantial Exchequer investment in the rail network despite the significant financial challenges.  In the past two years a total of almost €385 million has been invested in Iarnród Éireann. Despite the reduced level of funding available, my Department has allocated over €135m towards the rail network this year.  In addition to safety related works Iarnród Éireann is undertaking infrastructural works to improve journey times such as removing or upgrading level-crossings, providing automated ticketing machines, improving station facilities - all of which contribute to making the railway more competitive and attractive to passengers.

The overall investment in railway safety is in excess of €1.5 billion since 1999 when the Railway Safety Programme commenced. There has also been significant investment in rolling stock, on upgrading the Kildare route and opening new routes such as Cork Commuter route, Navan Phase 1and Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor.

The priority for our public transport network must be to aim for a better return from the existing public transport system, through targeted investment, better use of existing resources and by using smart technology to make public transport more responsive and user friendly. The limited funding available over and above this priority will only be provided for projects which are affordable, meet overall transport objectives and deliver the best return in terms of economic recovery and job creation. Moreover the ability to operate profitably and without the need for any subsidy would also be a key consideration for any new projects.

In addition to capital investment, Iarnród Éireann also received a total allocation of €127m in 2013 for Public Service Obligation (PSO) services. The Board of CIÉ are also pursuing a range of measures to address the financial position, including cost reductions across the three operating companies, so that the CIÉ’s rail and bus services can be provided efficiently and cost effectively over the Plan period.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

627. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of any proposals to work with the Six Counties' executive on joint projects to improve the rail network on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42368/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Officials in my Department maintain regular contact with their counterparts in the Department for Regional Development in Belfast regarding railway infrastructure issues. For example officials from both administrations met on a number of occasions to discuss the Trans European Network (Ten-T) and Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Regulations during the period when both Regulations were being developed. Both regulations were agreed with Parliament during the Irish Presidency and officials from Belfast were kept informed about the Regulations as they progressed through co-decision.

Other examples of Departmental cross border co-operation include the preparation of joint papers for discussion on railway issues under the North-South Ministerial Council and the successful application for Interreg IVA funding towards the redevelopment of Portadown railway station. My officials will continue to engage with officials from the Department for Regional Development regarding the railway network on the island of Ireland.