Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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292. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are proposals to support the redevelopment of the train station in Edenderry, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13441/23]

Eamon 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 is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Reviewis being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the review 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, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. The Reviewis also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure, including train stations, along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines.

It is important that we address constraints in the rail sector and deliver a strategy which allows rail to fulfil its potential as a sustainable mode of transport in pursuit of decarbonisation priorities, rural connectivity objectives and as a generator of prosperity for people across Ireland.

The Review is now at an advanced stage. Publication of the report will follow after it has been considered and received the necessary approvals on both sides of the border.