Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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106. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has undertaken feasibility studies in regard to increasing the use of rail freight in Ireland. [11076/21]

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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108. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated number of trucks which could be removed from the N24 on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis if a reasonable rail freight service was available; and the estimated reduction this would have on Ireland’s carbon emissions. [11078/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 108 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I have a strong interest in this area and I see potential for the development of rail freight in Ireland. Our programme for Government commits us to a 7% average annual emissions reduction, and the potential shift of some freight traffic from road to rail could make a contribution to achieving this.

I met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Irish Rail in December and we discussed a number of issues, including the company's plans for the development of rail freight. Irish Rail is preparing a rail freight strategy with the support of outside consultants to guide actions to 2040.

As the Deputy may be aware, in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and other relevant stakeholders, my Department is currently developing terms of reference for a strategic rail review of the network on the island of Ireland. The ambition remains to have this initial phase of work completed to allow for the launch of the tender process by end Q1. This review will consider all issues in relation to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, including the potential for high/higher speed(s), rail freight and, in that regard, improved connectivity to our ports and airports.

Finally, the Deputy's query also touches on average traffic numbers on the N24 road. As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing Exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual roads are matters for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my Private Office if a reply is not received within ten working days.