Written answers

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

Photo of Sorca ClarkeSorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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166. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement that he has had with Irish Rail in relation to the ongoing overcrowding issue on trains from Mullingar to Dublin on the morning trains given that those trains consist of only four carriages. [63507/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon 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. 

I last met with the CEO of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade, on the 2nd December to discuss a wide range of issues concerning public transport. 

As Minister, I meet with the Chairpersons and CEO's of CIÉ and its subsidiaries on a regular basis, or as the need arises. In addition to these meetings, my Department has regular engagement with the company at all levels, including at CEO level, in relation to issues including governance, financial, investment, safety and service-related issues, and I am of course briefed by my Department on any relevant issues which arise during the course of such normal administrative and corporate governance related contact between my Department and the companies in question.

The issue of overcrowding issue on specific train services on the Mullingar to Dublin line 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.

Photo of Sorca ClarkeSorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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167. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the potential of reopening Killucan train station in County Westmeath. [63508/22]

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 of public transport.  The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station at Killucan, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

A high-level, initial discussion on the matter raised took place between officials in my Department and Iarnród Éireann on 15 June 2022. Following this discussion, Iarnród Éireann are considering the level of funding that might be required to progress a feasibility study considering public transport options in the Killucan area. Such a study, if undertaken, would be in consultation with the National Transport Authority. My Department is awaiting a formal request for funding of such a study.

In view of the Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed reply on the specific issue raised.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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