Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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71. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the suggestions in the NTA's rail review to discontinue certain rail services south of Gorey, which could leave Wexford town and Rosslare without a rail service to Dublin; if he will consider opening an express train service from Wexford town to Dublin in order to increase the number of passengers using the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14231/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) recently held a public consultation process to start a national debate on the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. The public consultation was launched with the publication of a Rail Review 2016 report- which examined the funding required to support the heavy rail network now and into the future- together with a consultation document "The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery". I understand the NTA is now in the process of preparing a report on the consultation process. I intend to bring this report to Government. Undoubtedly, the findings of the consultation process will be used to inform and assist future decision making in relation to rail. While there has been much speculation regarding the future of individual rail lines, no closure decisions have been taken. I would emphasise that closure decisions would be premature in advance of my consideration of the outcome of the NTA's public consultation process and subsequent reporting back to Government on my overall approach.