Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the park and ride at the Dunkettle train station; and the timeline for delivery of same. [38432/25]

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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nation-wide through the Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO).

The function of the PRDO is to enable and advance the delivery of strategic Park and Ride sites in collaboration with Local Authorities and transport agencies across all regions of the State, by providing full-time specialist recourses on these projects.

The plans for the new Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle stations will include Strategic Park & Ride sites that will streamline connections from the surrounding areas. An additional station would require funding and would have to secure relevant approvals required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. 

Iarnród Éireann will engage with any parties proposing a new station and my Department will continue to keep me informed of this issue.

Separately, in June this year Iarnród Éireann opened a public consultation for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme. This Phase provides for eight new stations, including at Dunkettle, as well as a new fleet maintenance depot electrification of the network and upgrades to existing commuter stations.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.