Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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451. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for investment in the rail services over the next five years including any extension to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33037/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport outlines a number of key principles for land transport investment proposals. Included among these principles is the need to maintain and renew renew strategically important elements the existing network, as well as the need to address current and future congestion in urban areas through for example improving public transport capacity.

There are a number of capacity enhancements planned or underway across our commuter rail network. These include the completion of the Dublin City Centre Resignalling Project, the introduction of 10 minute DART services and the introduction of additional services on the Kildare Commuter line to utilise the newly reopened Phoenix Park tunnel and bring passengers into the heart of the city. Cumulatively these measures will enhance commuter rail services across all current commuter lines leading into Dublin.

All of these capacity enhancements have been facilitated by Exchequer funding and the recently announced Budget 2017 ensures further funding is available to support these developments as they are rolled out.

In addition to the above, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Irish Rail recently submitted the 2016 Rail Review to me. This  Review examines the funding parameters required to support our rail network now and into the future, as well as identifying potential for future growth. I have already stated that I will bring the report to cabinet  and then immediately arrange for its publication and commencement of a publication process to be conducted by the National Transport Authority. I intend to do so next week.

Finally, it is proposed  that a mid-term  review of the Government's Capital Plan will be carried out in 2017 and I am determined to make the case for public transport investment to be both increased and accelerated as a result of that review in order to address our growing transport needs.