George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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369. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status and repair timeline for the Barrow Bridge in New Ross; the reason Iarnród Éireann has not been more proactive in pursuing funding for repairs from the insurers of the ships that struck the bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23252/25]

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 repairs 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 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.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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370. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on expanding sail and rail connectivity with cities in the UK; to provide details of engagements with UK counterparts about same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23274/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, my Department is supportive of the continued development of 'Sail and Rail' as a less carbon-intensive means of travel.

The 'Sail and Rail' offerings to UK ports and onwards to many rail destinations in the UK is a well-established product in the Irish travel market. Both ferry operators on the Irish Sea, namely Irish Ferries and Stena Line, offer regular and multiple daily sailings to the UK with the potential to connect to over 2400 rail stations in Great Britain from the ports of Holyhead and Fishguard. Both operators actively promote 'Sail and Rail', which offers a viable alternative to air travel and also travel by car.

Iarnród Éireann has partnered with Irish Ferries to offer several options for booking 'Sail and Rail' travel. Intending passengers may book connecting rail connections to their outgoing port, the ferry and onward rail connections to their UK destination. Intending passengers may also book online, via Iarnród Éireann's Customer Contact Centre or by dropping into any of 12 rail stations listed below up to one hour before train departure. The train stations which facilitate 'Sail and Rail' bookings are Athlone, Cork, Dublin Connolly, Galway, Killarney, Limerick, Limerick Junction, Mallow, Sligo, Thurles, Tralee or Westport.

While 'Sail and Rail' is a popular means of travel between Ireland and the UK, the Deputy may also be interested to know that my Department has been actively engaged with French authorities from the autumn of 2023 to support the development of 'Sail and Rail' between our nearest EU neighbour. As part of this engagement, and thanks to the efforts of the local and transport authorities, port transfers from the rail station to the ferry terminal are now facilitated by buses in Dublin, Cork, Cherbourg and Roscoff.

While the Ireland - France 'Sail and Rail' option is still in its infancy, my officials are working with all relevant stakeholders including colleagues in the Department of Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to continue its development. It is hoped that a combined or integrated 'Sail and Rail' ticket will become available in the future, which will simplify bookings. At present bookings must be made separately with each company.

The Department remains supportive of the ongoing efforts of ferry companies, Iarnród Éireann and the tourism agencies in promoting this travel option.