Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

241. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the upgrading the Ballybrophy and Roscrea to Limerick railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30893/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line. This is the second year of the five year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme just over €1billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services. In 2021 for example this programme will support an enhanced programme of track relaying on the Ballybrophy line.

Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) responsibility in the matter in the first instance, I have referred the Deputy's questions to IÉ for a more detailed reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

More broadly the Deputy may also wish to be aware that the issue of enhanced services on the Ballybrophy to Limerick line is also being considered as part of the development of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. I understand that a revised draft Strategy will be published for public consultation in the coming weeks.