Written answers

Thursday, 28 September 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Services Provision

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the results of the public consultation on the rail review will be published; if a decision has been made in respect of the potential closure of railway lines in particular the Limerick to Ballybrophy line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41016/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) held a public consultation process to start a national debate on the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. The public consultation process 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". The report provided an analysis of Iarnród Éireann's financial situation, some funding solutions and proposals to grow passenger numbers.

Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to that consultation process which have now all been examined and the NTA is preparing a report of those submissions, which I expect to receive shortly.

As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. No decisions have been made on future changes to the rail network, including any decisions relating to the closure of railway lines.

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