James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1082. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on State funding of rail freight services with Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34393/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Capital Plan 2016-21 includes a commitment that the Government will commission a feasibility study to examine options for expanding freight transport on the railways.

Iarnród Éireann is currently the only rail freight service provider in the Irish market and provides this service on a commercial basis. Iarnród Éireann is itself seeking to grow its rail freight market and I support them in this endeavour. In addition to Iarnród Éireann's freight services, other operators may provide rail freight services as the rail freight sector was opened to competition in 2007. My officials will be happy to discuss market access with any interested parties.