Vol. 572 No. 3
116 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if a special implementation group to oversee the rail investment programme has been set up, as he promised in April 2003; if so, its composition; and when the first quarterly report on the rail investment programme as promised will be issued. [23145/03]
145 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with regard to his consideration of the strategic rail review; his views on the recommendations made in the report; if it is intended to implement the recommendations; the timeframe over which he views this could be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23129/03]
150 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the plans for the implementation of the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23074/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 145 and 150 together.
The strategic rail review is the most significant review and rigorous analysis of the rail sector ever undertaken in Ireland and provides the Government with a policy framework for the future development of passenger and freight services in Ireland. An implementation group comprising officials from my Department and Iarnród Éireann has been established to monitor the implementation of the main findings in the report.
This group has been meeting at regular intervals since the publication of the review in April last. In response to the report, Irish Rail has recently submitted to my Department its proposed investment priorities in the medium term and at present these are being discussed with the company.
