Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 January 2015
1026. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's role in the important role of rail in reducing CO2 emissions from transport; his views on how rail could be further used to reduce and abate emissions into the future. [1731/15]
View answerI fully recognise the importance of rail, as part of a range of sustainable travel options, in our efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate against the impacts of climate change.
Irish Rail operates one of the most modern fleets in Europe, and a major resignalling project in Dublin will increase capacity through Connolly Station from 12 trains an hour to 20 from 2016 thus reinforcing sustainable travel capacity in our Capital city. Major rail projects, such as Luas Cross City, will help supplement the range of viable low carbon alternatives to the car.
The potential of rail freight in emissions reduction is also a consideration. Total rail freight tonnage transported on the rail network in 2013 was 589,000, an increase of 4% on 2012, and 90.8 million tonne kilometres. Irish Rail is actively pursuing rail freight expansion opportunities and engaging with ports, exporters and industry to identify viable commercial rail freight solutions.
In recent years, good progress has also been made in the area of energy efficiency with correlated reductions in emissions. Such achievement has arisen from various measures introduced across the rail network including the roll-out of traction control software on the DART and configuration changes from locomotive-hauled trains with one large diesel engine to Diesel Multiple Units.
However, further potential for emissions reduction in the rail sector will have to be considered as part of a long-term strategy for land transport in Ireland. The levels of investment currently being provided will help to keep the existing rail network open and accessible. However, over the long term, the cost of operating the network will have to be benchmarked against investment in other transport modes. The emissions reduction potential will be considered in this context and I hope to commence a consultation process this year on railway policy.
