Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average number of persons who avail of rail transport in the State each day. [46131/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the 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 provision or operation of public transport.

The substantial investment in the rail network currently and over the coming years should significantly increase the capacity and the attractiveness of rail services, thereby further increasing the number of persons who avail of rail transport in the State. Such investments include the expansion of the DART+ Fleet in 2025 and the delivery and entry into service of 41 additional Inter-City Railcars in 2023, as well as the DART+ Electrification programme and Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has entered into contracts with the individual operators of public transport services, including the operators of rail services. Those contracts set out the roles and responsibilities of both parties, including the responsibility of the NTA for determining the organisation of rail services e.g. the routes and timetables to be operated; the fares to be charged; shared systems, such as Leap Card, real-time passenger information (RTPI) and the national journey planner (NJP); collect statistical data and information on transport; and undertake strategic planning of transport.

As such, information regarding the number of persons who avail of rail transport in the State is a matter for the National Transport Authority and I have therefore 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.