Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to increase passenger numbers on regional rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54971/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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This Government is strongly committed to improving public transport services in regional and rural areas.

As I advised in my earlier response on this matter, I have been informed by the NTA that passenger numbers have increased on all rail services, including regional, Intercity and commuter services.

In fact, demand on Intercity and regional routes is particularly impressive at 90%+ of pre-pandemic levels and, I’m glad to say, increasing consistently. A noticeable development has been the increased number of people using rail services at weekends and evenings to attend events, concerts and sporting fixtures.

I think it clear that part of this increased demand is being driven by the fare initiatives introduced this year and for which I have secured funding in the Budget to continue until the end of next year too.

In the short term this increased demand will be supported through the addition of 41 new Intercity railcars which have started to arrive in the country already and will enter service in 2023.

In terms of the medium to long-term future of regional rail, the Strategic Rail Review is reviewing 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, with the latter considering the role of rail freight.

The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network including regional lines. Disused and closed lines will also be considered in this context.

I firmly believe that our regional rail network has a bright future and the steps this Government is taking to support rail will help realise that future.