Fergus O'Dowd
Question:263 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the actions he has taken to encourage greater use of rail freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28790/08]
View answerThursday, 10 July 2008
Questions (270)
Written answers
There 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. In addition to this investment the potential to expand rail freight will be considered as part of the development of the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan. Iarnród Éireann continues to pursue a policy of growing its rail freight business where opportunities present and of returning the rail freight business to profitability and, in that context, Iarnród Éireann has made progress in recent years in growing the rail freight business in areas where it holds a competitive advantage over road haulage, e.g. large volumes or trainloads over longer distances.
Rail freight is fully liberalised since 1st January, 2007, and while no applications have been made to my Department for entry to the market to date, any expressions of interest would be welcomed.
Question No. 264 answered with Question No. 255.