James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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64. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase capacity levels on Irish Rail commuter trains; and the expenditure allocated for the purchase of new rolling stock for Irish Rail. [17760/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. The recently published National Development Plan (NDP), which was launched earlier this year by Government as part of Project Ireland 2040, also confirms investment in the heavy rail as part of a comprehensive public transport network. This investment is both to protect the quality and investment already made in the railway network and to increase capacity in line with future growth projections as envisaged by the National Planning Framework 2040.

In relation to the rail fleet, arrangements are already underway to introduce 28 rail carriages that are expected to re-enter service in 2019. NTA expect to commence a tender competition later this year for a programme of new diesel-electric trains that would enable the enlargement of the rail fleet by approximately some 300 new rail carriages. Given typical train manufacturing lead times delivery of these new diesel-electric trains is expected in 2022. Additionally, Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority (NTA) are assessing the availability of additional fleet that could be introduced to passenger service on the rail network in Ireland in the intervening period.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy ad overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.