Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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187. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport what plans he has for the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19229/23]

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, including rail. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line. This is the fourth year of the five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020. Over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.3 billion in Exchequer funding will be made available under the current contract. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, help improve journey times, and ensure continued safety of rail services.

The Deputy may wish to note that in 2022 additional funding of €6.4 million was allocated to Iarnród Éireann for the renewal of 9.5 miles of track on the line, which saw the full length of the Ballybrophy line upgraded to continuous welded rail, bringing journey time improvements for passengers.

Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within 10 days.