Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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256. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to maintain vital rail infrastructure for the south-east region; if matters (details supplied) will be reviewed; if additional funding to secure the future of services in the south County Kilkenny area will be investigated in advance of budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7663/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I wish to advise the Deputy my Department provides capital funding to Iarnród Éireann for the maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network under the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC), in accordance with the requirements of EU law. Iarnród Éireann also receives capital funding, via the National Transport Authority (NTA), for heavy rail projects as well as funding under the Accessibility Grants and Regional Cities Programmes. The NTA is the statutory body with responsibility for overseeing the delivery of public transport services provided under public service contracts including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, scheduling of services.

Noting the responsibilities of Iarnród Éireann and the NTA, I have forwarded your question to both organisations for direct reply in relation to the details provided by the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.