Rail Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (120)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

120. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the research that has been carried out for his Department in relation to increase in usage that occurs on non-urban railways lines as frequency of service is increased; if the results of such research will inform his policy as to the way non-urban rail services should be improved as more carriages become available to Iarnród Éireann later in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20984/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Deputy may be aware of the All Island Strategic Rail Review which my Department, in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, is undertaking.  I am sure the Deputy is also aware of the recently launched Sustainable Mobility Policy.  Both the Review and the Policy will inform how to improve and provide a more sustainable public transport system and rail system within that.

The specific type of research referenced by the Deputy may have informed decisions taken by the National Transport Authority and/or Iarnród Éireann pertaining to the provision of services and the deployment of fleet, particularly in the context of the availability of new carriages. Accordingly I am referring the Deputy's question to the NTA for detailed consideration of the specific issue raised and direct response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51