Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

120 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with regard to his consideration of the strategic rail review; his views on all the recommendations made in the report; if it is intended to implement the recommendations; the timeframe over which he views this can be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16873/03]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

145 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the implementation of the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16687/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 145 together.

The recently published strategic rail review is the most comprehensive, significant and rigorous analysis of the rail sector ever undertaken in Ireland. It provides the Government with a policy framework for the future development of passenger and freight services. The board of Iarnród Éireann is considering the findings of the review. I expect it to bring forward a prioritised investment programme in the near future, based on the review for the period up to 2008. An implementation group, containing representatives of my Department and Iarnród Éireann, has been established to monitor the implementation of the main findings in the report and to assist the timely and effective delivery of the review's findings.