Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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822. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Iarnród Éireann and Fáilte Ireland will investigate the possibility and viability of running a steam locomotive out of Killarney railway station in County Kerry on the existing line through the countryside and stopping at other stations in the county as a visitor attraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5761/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I am responsible for, amongst other things, tourism policy.  Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are the tourism agencies with responsibility for the implementation of that policy.

Fáilte Ireland is the National Tourism Development Authority and has responsibility for the development of quality tourism product.  Fáilte Ireland does not directly run or provide tourist attractions.

I am advised that Fáilte Ireland is not currently aware of any proposals for a steam locomotive tourist attraction out of Killarney.  The Agency would, in the context of available resources, examine any proposals submitted to it for project funding or for feasibility study funding.

The Deputy may be interested to know that various excursion services are facilitated on the rail network each year.  Such proposals require approval from the Commission for Railway Regulation as well as Iarnród Éireann in its role as the rail infrastructure manager.