Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of passengers carried by Iarnród Éireann on the Ennis-Limerick-Ennis and Ennis-Galway-Ennis services during 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5680/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 on the Ennis to Limerick and Ennis to Galway services in 2023 and 2024 is an operational matter 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.

Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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208. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of investment undertaken by Iarnród Éireann in its network and scheduled services in County Clare during 2024; the investment plans for 2025; the consideration being given to the opening of a rail stop at Crusheen, County Clare; the progress of the proposed flood mitigation measures at Ballycar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5681/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 the former station referred to at Crusheen, Co. Clare, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

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.

In relation to Ballycar, the Deputy may be aware my predecessor, Eamon Ryan, previously met with the then Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, to discuss the complex issues in relation to flooding in the Ballycar area. At that meeting the OPW Chair advised he would reconvene the steering group behind a December 2020 Report on Ballycar to continue discussions.

The steering group in question includes Iarnród Éireann, the OPW, Clare County Council and the Geological Survey Ireland. Officials from my Department will engage with the OPW on reconvening the group with a view to progressing the matter.