Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding on commuter trains in the Blanchardstown, Ongar and Castleknock areas; his plans to improve the capacity and quality of commuter trains and of public transport more generally for the area and the wider west Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18152/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport.  The operation of the heavy rail network and for assessing rolling stock requirements for the network are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) which also has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area.

Noting the responsibility of the agencies, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply on the specific issues raised.  Please advise my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days. 

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason train carriages have been removed from service on commuter trains between west Dublin and the city centre; his plans to return to service carriages that were removed after the financial crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18153/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.