Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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242. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the freight hub at Athenry train station, County Galway, will be developed under Irish Rail plans to increase rail freight services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1385/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.

The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways.

This also includes the role of rail freight and, within that, examination and consideration of relevant policies and strategies. This includes Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy, and its proposed future development of freight terminals.

I see both pieces of work being very much complementary, with the commercial perspective of Iarnród Éireann’s analysis to be supported by the broader strategic perspective of the Review, also taking into account the potential of all-island freight movements.

Noting that the implementation of the Rail Freight 2040 Strategy is a matter for Iarnród Éireann, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.