Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

227. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is concerned in relation to the negative impact on the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy due to regular flooding on the Ennis/Limerick railway line at Ballycar; if his Department will provide the necessary funding to Irish Rail to enable it to carry-out the proposed works to address the flooding issue at Ballycar as set-out in a report submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55290/22]

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

The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) sets out a framework for investment in transport for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years and includes proposals for the significant development of the cycle network and enhancement of bus services and infrastructure.

The report in question was conducted on foot of a request by the then Joint Oireachtas Committee for Rural and Community Development and prepared by consultants under the auspices of a multi-agency Steering Group comprised of Clare County Council, the Office of Public Works, Geological Survey of Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Iarnród Éireann. A copy of the report was subsequently shared with numerous stakeholders, including my Department.

The required flood mitigation works are a matter for the OPW in its flood risk management capacity. The rail infrastructure is being impacted by the flooding issue in the area, but Iarnród Éireann does not have the remit to undertake a drainage scheme. However there is potential for IÉ to make some financial contribution to the works.

Officials in my Department are now engaging with officials in the OPW to find out what actions have been taken on this project since January and what are planned.

My current position is that the works should be led by the OPW, with Iarnród Éireann potentially making a contribution.