Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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253. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the train station at Dunleer, County Louth; his views on such propositions from a policy perspective; if his Department plans to engage with the NTA and Irish Rail on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38771/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Deputy is aware that the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future commits toward a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and I believe that rail has a strategic role to play in achieving that change.

I note that the Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy supports the continued development of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor through targeted investment in transport infrastructure and services, complementing and maintaining its function as part of the EU TEN-T core network. The complementarity between that objective and localised services would need to be considered, as would the potential integration with any relevant local development plans.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport by rail, however the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the former station referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.