Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated length of time it would have taken to refurbish the 28 unused rail carriages that Irish Rail considered reintroducing into use. [45731/19]

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 procurement and or refurbishment of rolling stock is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance who, in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA), continue to examine how best to source additional rolling stock as efficiently and effectively as possible and ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.

In this regard and as the Deputy is aware, an option considered by Iarnród Éireann / NTA to increase fleet capacity was the proposed refurbishment and reintroduction of older train sets back into service. This option was ruled out following market consultations which returned costs far in excess of those originally expected and which meant the option did not represent value for money.

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