Written answers

Monday, 9 September 2024

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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271.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any application has been received by his Department from Iarnród Éireann for the upgrading of the line and stations on the rail line from Limerick to Athenry to ensure that it has the capacity to handle six carriage trains stopping at all stations at a frequency of ten trains per day each over all its length and with the ability to have a train frequency in each direction at rush hours; the progress made with such an application, if on hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35237/24]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any proposed upgrades to the line between Limerick and Athenry, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

The All-Island Strategic Rail Review has been undertaken 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.

The Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024. The Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.

The Report recommends online improvements on the line between Limerick and Athenry.

It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland. It should also be noted that no application for funding for these upgrades has been received by my Department.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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272.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual change in passenger numbers using the Limerick to Galway services in each of the past ten years; the steps being taken in view of the growth of usage on the line to ensure the infrastructure facilitates further passenger number growth on the line; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35238/24]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon 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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to passenger numbers and infrastructure on the Limerick to Galway line are matters for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.

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

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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273.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date with the development of Ceannt Station in Galway as a major rail terminus with five platforms; the reason work was stopped on this project; when it will recommence; the expected finishing date for the project; the extra cost associated with the delay in the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35239/24]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon 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 relevant public transport infrastructure, including the upgrade works at Galway Ceannt Station.

The construction contract for the upgrades at the station was awarded in November 2023. Construction at the station is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026.

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.

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