Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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39. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when rail services between Waterford and Limerick Junction will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13837/21]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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40. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his engagements with Irish Rail on the Ballybrophy rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13838/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for ensuring the provision of public transport services and Iarnród Éireann - which owns and operates the rail network - provides passenger rail services under Public Service Obligation (PSO) arrangements with the NTA.

The Deputy asks about the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line and services between Waterford and Limerick Junction. I can assure him first of all that there are no plans for the closure of any part of the rail network. Indeed, our firm intention is to invest heavily in the quality of the network and the size of the rail fleet in order to address capacity constraints and expand services in many parts of the country.

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

On January 29, I met with a local community organisation, the North Tipperary Community Rail Partnership (NTCRP), to discuss a number of issues which it wished to raise in relation to services on the Ballybrophy line. Following that meeting, officials from my Department have been in contact with Iarnród Éireann and I understand that representatives of the company also met with the NTCRP in recent days.

In the light of the respective responsibilities of the NTA and Iarnród Éireann in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred his questions to both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.