Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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211. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the investment that is planned by Iarnród Éireann for its network in County Clare during 2023 and 2024; if consideration is being given to the opening of a rail stop at Crusheen, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32698/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) is the framework through which Exchequer investment is made in the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure. This includes the rail line between Limerick and Athenry, which runs through County Clare.

This is the fourth year of the current five-year IMMAC programme from 2020 to 2024. Over the five years of the programme, a total of over €1.3billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery of protection and renewal works by Iarnród Éireann. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services across the network.

As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The opening of stations on the network, including the former station referred to at Crusheen, Co Clare, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In view of the Infrastructure Manager's responsibility in this matter, 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.