Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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50. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the reopening of the Wexford to Waterford rail line; the current status of necessary repairs to the Barrow Bridge; if it is his Department’s policy to re-open this rail link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43349/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024.

The Review's Final 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, including the rehabilitation of the Waterford to Wexford line.

The Final Review Report will inform the development of rail on the island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050. It should be noted that individual projects referred to in the Report will be subject to funding and relevant approvals as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. A report on this matter is expected to be published at some stage. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.

Regarding the Deputy’s query in relation to the necessary repair works to the Barrow Bridge, the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any works to the Barrow Bridge, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter I am referring your letter for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.