Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 April 2016
865. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the national and European Union infrastructure funding available to expand train services and carriage capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7062/16]
View answerUnder the Government's Capital Plan - 'Building on Recovery', a €2.6bn investment has been prioritised for essential 'steady state' maintenance and asset renewal of the public transport system. This includes an on-going maintenance programme to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rail network. Funds are also being committed for a number of rail projects including the completion of the Phoenix Park Tunnel which is due to open later this year bringing some scheduled passenger services on the Kildare Line to Connolly Station. In addition, funding is being provided for the City Centre Re-signalling Programme and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre which will improve commuter and intercity rail services.
Ireland successfully applied for EU co-funding for railcars under the 2007-2013 BMW Regional Operational Programme. In addition in 2014, co-funding was provided under the Interreg IV A Programme for the refurbishment of the Enterprise cross-border rolling stock, in co-operation with Northern Ireland Railways. However, similar funding is not available under the 2014-2020 round of EU co-funding.
