Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

927. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Irish Rail services from Galway, via Limerick, to Cork, the fourth, third and second largest cities in the State take from 3 hours 55 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes, when private bus competitors can cover the journey in 2 hours 50 minutes and the estimated travel time by car is 2 hours 38 minutes. [18623/14]

Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

928. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason express trains between Dublin and Limerick all travel via Limerick Junction, thereby servicing only stations already serviced by express trains between Dublin and Cork, when the route via Ballybrophy is substantially shorter and also serves potential customers in Clare and Tipperary. [18624/14]

Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

929. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will appoint a management team to Irish Rail which will run the rail network so as to provide a service across as much of the State as possible and thereby attract greater revenues for the company. [18625/14]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

961. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the rural train service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19543/14]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 927 to 929, inclusive, and No. 961 together.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has entered into Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts with Irish Rail for the provision of rail services. Specific proposals relating to the provision of services under that contract are matters for the NTA in conjunction with Irish Rail I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days. The day to day operations of Iarnród Éireann, including the appointment of employees, are a matter for the board of the company and I do not have a direct role in such matters.  The mandate which I have given to the board requires them to operate on a financially sustainable basis and to maximise revenues wherever possible.