Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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57. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a commuter rail policy for the regional cities of Galway, Limerick and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38659/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Rail Review has recently been published and a public consultation on the report has been launched.  The purpose of the consultation exercise is to open up a public discussion on the current and future role of rail in Ireland as well as the funding of the rail network and services.  The public consultation process is open until 18th January and no decisions will be taken on the future of the rail network, rail services or rail policies until the public consultation process has concluded and been evaluated.

As set out in the Rail Review, funding for the operation and maintenance of the rail network was significantly reduced during the economic downturn and has not recovered to a sustainable level. The main emphasis of funding for the rail network under the Capital Plan is on the maintenance of the existing network to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose. There are no current plans or funding to develop commuter rail further in the regional cities. As the Deputy is aware, the Government has committed to a review of the Capital Plan in 2017 and I am determined to make a case for public transport investment to be both increased and accelerated in order to address our growing transport needs.

My Department provides funding, through the NTA, for the provision of public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford through the Regional Cities Programme. This Programme funds the development of bus lanes, bus priority measures, green routes and safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. The aim of the Programme is to encourage people to use public transport or more active travel modes in order to reduce congestion and tackle emissions from transport. Overall funding for this programme in 2016 is €13.5m.