Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1581. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions his Department has taken in respect of the report published by Iarnród Éireann regarding the company’s funding shortfall and ability to invest and maintain its existing infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38092/17]
View answerThe taxpayer makes a significant and recurring contribution each year to Iarnród Éireann. This contribution takes the form of both current, PSO funding and also capital funding under the IMMAC (infrastructure management multi-annual contract) and through the National Transport Authority. Last year this funding totalled almost €300m and increased funding will be provided to the Company again this year.
In August 2015 my Department published the Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport (SFILT) which outlined the funding pressures across both our rail and road networks and made a number of recommendations in respect of key priorities and principles for future investment.
In relation to rail, the SFILT recommended the development of a new rail policy and last year the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann published the Rail Review Report 2016 on which the NTA held a public consultation. Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA and the authority is preparing a report of those submissions.
In advance of that, no decisions have been taken regarding matters such as the future of individual rail lines or investment in the company and its relevant infrastructure.
As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. It is obvious that, once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. I look forward to the finalisation and adoption by Government in the coming months of the new National Planning Framework, which I believe will form an important context for my consideration of issues raised by the Rail Review Report and any recommendations I will bring to Government.
