Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
130. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence in relation to the Barrow railway bridge and the strategic rail review (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42294/21]
View answer175. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43193/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 175 together.
As the Deputies are aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The maintenance of the rail network, including 'closed' lines such as the Wexford to Waterford line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
As is well-known there have been no scheduled passenger services on the Wexford to Waterford line in almost 11 years at this stage. Services ceased in accordance with the applicable legislative framework and subject to an agreement between Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority.
With regard to the Barrow Bridge, I am informed that Iarnód Éireann will ensure the continued functionality of the bridge through scheduled movements which will allay potential concerns that may exist as regards the permanency of the changed position. These movements will be scheduled on a quarterly basis and will be formally programmed into the Iarnród Éireann asset management computerised system. The asset management system is evidence based and allows the company demonstrate compliance with the process for audit purposes. Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that these arrangements will ensure the continued functionality of the bridge and its associated mechanisms.
The Deputies may also wish to be aware that a Strategic Rail Review has recently commenced which will examine all aspects of the inter-urban and inter-regional rail network. The Review will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the strategic potential of currently disused lines such as the Wexford to Waterford line. Uniquely this Review is being conducted on an all-island basis in full co-operation with the Northern Ireland Executive’s Department for Infrastructure with a final report due in 2022.
