Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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36. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the south Wexford rail line in terms of both freight and passenger service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55858/22]

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 operations of public transport.

The issue raised by the Deputy regarding the South Wexford Rail Line and plans for both freight and passenger services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered making resources available to Irish Rail to provide a high-speed rail service between Cork, Dublin and Belfast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55877/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I, along with the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland have commissioned an All Island Strategic Rail Review. The Strategic Rail Review is considering the future development of the rail network in Ireland. The Review is ongoing and being carried out by ARUP consultants.

TheStrategic Rail Reviewwill 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, rail connectivity to our international gateways and improved connectivity to the North West.

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 disused and closed lines. This will include consideration for a high speed rail service between Cork, Dublin and Belfast.

This review will provide a framework to develop an improved rail network in the years ahead and I look forward to its completion which is currently expected in this quarter.