Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
209. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with Irish Rail to encourage more passengers onto the rail system in the context of the Climate Action Plan; if he has discussed with Irish Rail its plans to increase the frequency of trains operating between Rosslare Europort and Connolly Station, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5830/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
I will shortly publish a new Sustainable Mobility Policy which will set out a strategic framework to 2030 for active travel and public transport to support our requirement to achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of this decade.
The new policy will include measures to enable and encourage more people to make the switch to more sustainable modes of travel, including rail. I am also happy to note that the construction of an additional 41 InterCity rail cars is ongoing with delivery of these carriages expected to commence this year allowing for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service in 2023.
In relation to the question on the frequency of trains operating between Rosslare Europort and Connolly Station, Dublin, this issue is an operational matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore 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.
