Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

113. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will acknowledge the need for additional return rail services from Dublin to Carlow and Kilkenny; if he plans to address the limitations of the current service for people living in Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63516/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

In view of Irish Rail's responsibility in this matter, the queries raised by the Deputy are operational matters for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

114. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the Midleton to Youghal railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63272/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) in 2020, which was developed in consultation with Cork City and Cork County Councils and with input from other key stakeholders, including Iarnród Éireann. As part of this process, the route from Midleton to Youghal was earmarked for development as a greenway.

CMATS will be reviewed and updated every six years and, as part of this process, the optimal transport provision in the area, including between Midleton and Youghal, can be considered again.

In addition, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024, 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.

A proposal to develop a line between Midleton and Waterford along the South Coast was examined as part of the Review, but ultimately this route was not included in the recommendations in the Final Review Report as it would likely be more cost-effective to route longer distance services between Cork and Waterford via improved railways between both cities and Limerick Junction, rather than on a new line.

One of the Review's recommendations is that the Review be updated once a decade, taking account of latest policies and developments. The potential for the Cork to Midleton line could be reassessed at this point.