Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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245. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on plans to support of high speed rail link between Cork and Dublin, in line with the new National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44470/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 in 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.

The recommendations include upgrading the core intercity rail network, including between Cork and Dublin, to higher line speeds of up to 200km/h.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, 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. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication later this year.

The recently concluded Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including plans for investment in the rail network, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.

It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.

John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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246. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increase in the number of passengers travelling on Iarnród Éireann rail line services in 2024, by route; the plans for further investment in rail services in the National Development Plan to meet demand on existing and re-opened lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44511/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The recently concluded Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including plans for investment in the rail network, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.

The query raised by the Deputy in relation to passengers is an operational matter for Irish Rail. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.