Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the feasibility study on the proposed reopening of Avoca train station..

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

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In 2019, Irish Rail placed the order for 41 InterCity Rail cars with Hyundai Rotem. They were delivered to Inchicore to undergo testing and were due to enter service on the basis of increasing capacity on existing services. Decisions on the deployment of the 41 ICRs will be based on current and projected demand and infrastructure capacity, and subject to approval of the National Transport Authority.

The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the allocation of new train carriages is a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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154. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the All-Island Strategic Rail Review be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17382/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.

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. This also includes the role of rail freight.

Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July 2023. The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both jurisdictions.

It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions and that the final Review will be published in the Summer.