Public Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Questions (146)

Alan Kelly

Question:

146. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he and Irish Rail will give consideration to operating direct rail services between Waterford and Galway utilising the current Waterford-Limerick line and the western rail corridor given that such a service would link the major cities of Waterford, Limerick and Galway in addition to large towns on the route such as Clonmel and Ennis; and his views on whether such a service would greatly enhance public transport provision in these communities and bring a substantial tourist dividend to the towns on the route. [11721/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the operations of public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport services and the issue raised is therefore a matter for the NTA, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51