John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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116. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the capacity of the Dublin to Rosslare rail line; his further plans to add additional carriages to the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16940/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport.

At a policy level, the primary objective is to embed long-term strategic transport planning and provide the type of longer term horizon required to deliver better outcomes.

A significant portion of the Dublin to Rosslare line lies within counties Dublin and Wicklow which form part of the Greater Dublin Area and therefore fall within the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, as developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Strategy sets out a twenty year plan for transport investment across the region across all modes of transport and importantly has a statutory basis which ensures alignment with land-use planning.

The Strategy must be reviewed every 6 years and I am informed that the NTA will commence that process later this year. This review will allow for a re-examination of transport needs across the region, including those related to rail. Of course, the South-Eastern line will benefit from the DART+ programme which will significantly expand commuter rail capacity across the Greater Dublin Area.

In relation to capacity on the inter-city services on the line, that is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have referred the question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.