Written answers

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Public Transport

Photo of Gary GannonGary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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165. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the announcement of half price public transport for 19 to 23 year olds will include all those in this age cohort across the country; the commencement date for the scheme; and his views on whether it is important that the scheme runs over the course of the academic year. [51799/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.

Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. 

As part of Budget 2022, I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a youth travel card (YTC) which will allow any person between the age of 19 and 23 to avail of a 50% discount on fares across the transport network and promote modal shift in the transport sector among this group.

Given the NTA's role in the introduction of the YTC, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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166. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will give priority in the forthcoming all-island rail review to a rail link of quality between Derry and Letterkenny, which are centres with a very high commuter interchange, that would enable further potential growth in the future onto the west of Ireland rather than light rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51841/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), is undertaking a Strategic Rail Review which will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the period to 2040.

The Strategic Rail Review will review the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways, and, of particular relevance to the Deputy's question, improved connectivity to the North-West. Issues such as those raised by the Deputy can be considered within the context of the Review process and I do not think it appropriate to prejudge the outcomes of the process.

This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead.  A consultation process is included in the scope of the Review and I understand it is planned to be launched next month.  I would encourage all interested parties to participate in the consultation, when the process is launched.

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