Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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152. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to improve public transport systems in County Mayo. [63542/25]

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 a proposal to reinstate the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris and improve service frequencies between Counties Galway / Mayo and Athlone, by building more passing loops.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies across the island, 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 next month.

Engagement with rail stakeholders across the island also involves a more detailed examination of the reinstatement Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, and in this regard the Department of Transport has agreed to allocate funding to Iarnród Éireann to progress a scoping study on the reinstatement of the line.

Moreover, 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 shortly.

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.

Mayo is also served by a number of regional bus services. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.