The level of Exchequer funding available for the development of transport infrastructure has been greatly reduced in recent years. Accordingly, the focus is to protect previous investments and to maximise the efficiency of existing infrastructure. As this level of funding will not allow for significant investment in new public transport infrastructure, the Government, as set out in "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium term exchequer Framework" is aiming to make better use of the existing system and resources to make the public transport experience more responsive and passenger friendly.
Despite the reduced level of funding available, my Department has allocated over €135m towards the rail network this year. The bulk of this funding will go towards renewals and maintenance under the Railway Safety Programme, and enhancement projects such as signalling, the provision of automated ticketing facilities and the removal of level-crossings.
The investment regime for Iarnród Eireann for 2014 is currently being reviewed having regard to the anticipated completion of the Railway Safety Programme by the end of 2013 and new EU mandated infrastructure management contract requirements, allied to the need to ensure value for money in the spending of constrained Exchequer funding.
The European Commission announced a package of proposals last January aimed at delivering better quality and more choice in railway services across Europe. Among the proposals announced is the opening of domestic rail passenger markets from 2019 onwards. The package also contains a proposal that would lead to all public services obligation contracts being awarded by means of a competitive tender process from December 2019.
The discussions on these latest proposals have not commenced. I have therefore not yet taken a position. The proposals are being scrutinised by my Department and the approach to be taken will have regard to the views of interested parties.
