Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 59 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for ensuring the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the provision of rail fleet. Iarnród Éireann is obliged at all times to ensure that the railway is managed and operated safety; it takes this obligation very seriously and in this regard it is closely supervised by the expert independent regulator, the Commission for Railway Regulation, in accordance with national and EU legislation.

Public transport passenger numbers have increased in recent years reflecting broader economic and employment growth. In rail, passenger numbers have similarly increased across the network and in particular on the commuter network in the Greater Dublin Area.

These increases are welcome; however, clearly they place pressure on the capacity of the network and the NTA and Iarnród Éireann have made, and are continuing to make, service and infrastructure improvements to address these pressures.

In light of the NTA's responsibility on this matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.