Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if orders have been placed for carriages that can meet the requirement in the context of European guidelines regarding minimum spaces on trains for bikes; if not, if this requirement will be part of the tendering (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43706/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I think it is important to be clear as to the status of the European Parliament's discussions last year on this issue.

In November 2018, the European Parliament adopted its "first reading" position in relation to a proposed recast of the existing Regulation on rail passenger rights.  In adopting that position, and as is normal in the European legislative process, the Parliament put forward amendments to the text as first proposed, including an amendment in relation to the carriage of bicycles on trains.

The proposed recast of the existing Regulation remains under consideration by the Council of the European Union.  The legislative process remains ongoing and therefore the final text is not yet agreed, including any text as proposed by the European Parliament.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the procurement of additional rail fleet.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the specific issue raised.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.