Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2008
450 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a new rail freight initiative; his views on introducing a rail freight subsidy on a per tonne basis for materials that are transferred from existing road freight onto rail freight; if he has examined new rail freight initiatives by the Scottish Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23548/08]
View answerThere is substantial ongoing current and capital Exchequer investment in the development and operation of the railway network. Total Exchequer funding allocated to Iarnród Éireann for 2008 amounts to more than €720 million and is targeted at passenger services. The potential to expand rail freight is being considered as part of the development of the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan and the recent initiative led by the Scottish Executive will be looked at in that regard.
