Written answers

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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217. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of the 41 new rail carriages under construction to be delivered in 2022 that will be allocated to the Athlone to Galway service given the allocation of €3 million to provide a passing loop at Oranmore railway station under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5533/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Deputy is right to highlight the very positive news in relation to the construction works planned at Oranmore station. These works will see an additional platform constructed, as well as the passing loop referred to by the Deputy and other ancillary works. I would note however that the total estimated cost of the project is circa €12million, of which circa €3million is being provided by my Department through the National Transport Authority.

I am also particularly pleased that Galway County Council has also secured funding to prepare a masterplan for the area's future development which could ultimately house over 1,000 residential units. This type of integrated, transport-led development is much needed across the country and I commend both Galway County Council and Iarnród Éireann for their collaboration on the project.

In relation to the 41 rail carriages currently under construction, I understand those carriages will start to arrive in Ireland later this year but will not be ready to enter into service until 2023. The subsequent deployment of the new carriages will be a matter for Iarnród Éireann. 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.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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218. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with Irish Rail and Transport Infrastructure Ireland in respect of expanding the TFI 90 fare structure to include Sallins and Kilcock, County Kildare and Greystones, County Wicklow; and the rationale and or business case for not including the towns in the first instance in view of the fact that they are home to thousands of rail users (details supplied). [5544/22]

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, this includes the administration and boundary criteria for the 90-minute fares scheme.

As such, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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