Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the works at Kishogue train station.

My understanding is that Kishogue train station will open this year. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Moyross rail station will be opened and operational in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10596/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the works at Moyross train station.

Construction of a new train station at Moyross is proposed under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). Moreover, in order to support the delivery of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which in turn is a key part of the Government’s plan to achieve a 50% reduction in transport greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland by 2030, I launched the Pathfinder Programme in October 2022. Construction of a new train station at Moyross was selected for inclusion in the Pathfinder Programme.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific queries raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide the list of new rail stations to be opened under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; when works will commence on each; when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10597/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann.

Noting the NTA's role in the development of the strategy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when Kishoge rail station will be opened and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10610/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the works at Kishoge train station.

My understanding is that Kishoge train station will open this year. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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203. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme when work will begin in relation to each of the new rail stations of Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West, Water-Rock, Ballynoe, when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10632/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan (NRRP) as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1 will be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.

This will see a €185 million investment, €164m of which is EU funds, in Cork’s rail infrastructure. This will facilitate the longer-term electrification of the network through construction of a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station to create an integrated suburban network, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. All works included in the NRRP should be completed by mid-2026 as required by the European Commission.

Following approval from Cork City Council, the construction contract for the additional platform at Kent Station was awarded in early 2023 and enabling works have begun on site, with construction expected to be completed by 2025.

An Bord Pleanála granted a Railway Order with conditions to Córas Iompair Éireann for the double-tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line in October 2023. Procurement preparations have started following this approval and a contract award is expected later this year prior to construction commencing.

In addition to the Kent Station and double-tracking works above, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to Alstom for a major signalling upgrade project on the Cork commuter rail network in June 2023. This signalling upgrade is required to increase the number of trains which can operate between Cork and Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.