Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 November 2022
53. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his Department's intention to improve Iarnród Éireann’s InterCity network, especially the Westport to Dublin Heuston route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55888/22]
View answer74. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to scale capacity, service and increase line speed on the Waterford to Limerick line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55859/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 74 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the lines mentioned by the Deputies.
This is the third year of the five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.1billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery of maintenance work across the network. This funding enables the delivery of safe rail services for passengers and will help improve service reliability, punctuality and journey times.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matters raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
