Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

77. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 21 March 2024, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is being undertaken as part of the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21900/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, is currently developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). The new strategy will replace the existing strategy adopted in 2016 and will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area.

As part of the development of the new GMATS, mode specific analysis is being undertaken including a light rail feasibility study and this study is now substantially complete. After the draft GMATS has been finalised, the NTA will undertake a non-statutory public consultation process which will give stakeholders the opportunity to share their views on the draft strategy.

Given the NTA's role in the development of the GMATS, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for the latest available information in relation to its development. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

78. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made on the implementation of the all-island strategic rail review, including timelines and next steps, with specific reference to the development of the new passenger service on the Limerick-Foynes rail line, the spur to Shannon Airport and the upgrade of the Limerick Junction-Limerick-Waterford line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22114/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.

Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft Report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment, or SEA, public consultation in July of last year.

The draft Report makes 30 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system across the island up to 2050. Implementation of these recommendations would result in substantial improvements in the capacity, speed, frequency and reach of the rail system. Journey times by rail would be much reduced, and frequency would increase to at least hourly between cities and every two hours on rural and regional routes. The network would be decarbonised, with the intercity routes electrified.

The recommendations also aim to enhance connectivity with the major airports on the island, including by providing a spur to Shannon Airport. They also support increasing the modal share of rail freight, in part by upgrading Limerick Junction and its link with the Waterford line.

The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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.

Separate to the Rail Review, Iarnród Éireann commenced works on reinstating the rail line between Limerick city and Foynes Port for rail freight services. Construction on the line commenced in early 2023 and it is anticipated that the line will re-open for freight services by 2026.

Noting the Iarnród Éireann’s responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

79. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the intervention of his Department to progress the reopening of Barrow Bridge in advance of the recouping of costs due to the ship strikes from the insurance companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22121/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm that officials in my Department have engaged with Iarnród Éireann in relation to the bridge strike at Barrow Bridge, the short-term remedial actions to ensure safety, and the longer-term repair works required.

Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in the matter in the first instance, I have referred the Deputy's questions to IÉ for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.