Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the Waterford to Rosslare to Europort rail link as set out in the Programme for Government; the time frame he has set for this rail corridor to be restored; the steps he proposes to take to ensure the project is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16688/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government does not contain a commitment of the type suggested by the Deputy.

The Programme for Government makes a strong commitment to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland. To deliver on this will require a whole-of-system perspective across all modes of transport – including active travel, bus, and rail.

As referenced in the Programme for Government we are also committed to developing, and importantly implementing, transport strategies for all of the cities, including Waterford. This move toward evidence-based, plan-led strategic infrastructure development is in line with international best practice, allows for better integration of transport planning and land-use planning and is the means to deliver real change in our major cities.

I am pleased to say that the National Transport Authority, in co-operation with the local authority, has now commenced preparatory work on a metropolitan area transport strategy for Waterford. Development of the Strategy will allow for consideration of the potential role of all modes of transport, including the rail corridor referred to by the Deputy, and I look forward to the Strategy's progression in the second half of the year.