Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the rail review conducted by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann; his further views that rail services should receive increased public investment to maintain, improve and expand on a vital public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33256/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As I indicated at the Oireachtas Committee on Transport on 5 October last, I have received a copy of the Rail Review conducted by the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail, which examines the funding parameters required to support our rail network now and into the future. I have already stated that I will bring the report to Cabinet and then immediately arrange for its publication and commencement of a public consultation process to be conducted by the National Transport Authority. I intend to do so next week.

The review identifies a funding gap for Irish Rail based on the projected allocations prior to Budget 2017. In the meantime, decisions on Budget 2017 provide for additional funding of over €50 million to Irish Rail next year.

This significant increase in funding for next year allows for increasing investment in maintenance and renewal of the network and the rolling stock, and also to provide more funding for safety projects. It is also encouraging to note that Irish Rail is experiencing business growth with increasing passenger journeys. The re-opening of the Phoenix Park tunnel in the coming weeks for commuter services from the Kildare line to the stations between Connolly and Grand Canal Dock and the expansion of DART services to a ten minute frequency will also help to grow the business.

While there has been much speculation regarding the future of individual rail lines, I want to stress that no decisions will be taken on any of the options identified in the Review in advance of the full process of public consultation.  The public consultation will give the public and other interested parties the opportunity to see the analysis on rail funding and to contribute to all aspects of the debate on the future of rail.