Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to develop a comprehensive policy for commuter services on all existing lines into Waterford, Limerick and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15130/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the provision of public transport services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

The Deputy is likely aware that, commencing in 2016, transport investment in all the major cities is guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies. Since 2016 transport strategies have been published in respect of the Greater Dublin Area, Galway and the Cork Metropolitan Area, while development of a transport strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area has commenced and work on the final strategy in respect of the Waterford Metropolitan Area is scheduled to commence this year.

This move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities is to be welcomed and allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.

These transport strategies, once developed, provide the comprehensive strategic backdrop to transport investment in all our cities, including in relation to rail services and infrastructure, and I look forward to working with the National Transport Authority in relation to implementing the various strategies’ recommendations.