John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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212. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding to upgrade Thomastown railway station in County Kilkenny as it is in a run-down state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11157/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  Iarnród Éireann has responsibility for developing rail infrastructure and for the maintenance of stations across the network, including Thomastown Station in Kilkenny.

Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding to Irish Rail for the use of a lift for passengers wishing to access McDonagh Station in Kilkenny; and his views that although this lift has been provided Irish Rail will not pay the cost of operating it and therefore the elderly and infirm are faced with a steep climb by foot to access the platform. [11158/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The provision and maintenance of facilities at railway stations, including accessibility lifts, is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. With regard to the issue concerning the lift at McDonagh Rail Station in Kilkenny, I understand that a lift was installed by the developer of the McDonagh Junction Shopping Centre on the assumption that there would be an accessibility demand from the city as well as from the proposed shopping centre and hotel developments. Since the hotel development has not progressed the developer has not commissioned the lift.

In the event that the lift is commissioned at some future date and agreement is reached between the owner of the lift and Iarnród Éireann, regarding its use for Iarnród Éireann passengers, the issue of funding for the operation of the lift can then be considered in the context of the Accessibility Grants Programme which is a scheme implemented by the National Transport Authority on behalf of my Department. In the meantime I am assured by Iarnród Éireann that Kilkenny Station remains fully accessible.

Noting their responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.