Written Answers Nos. 51-74
51. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Enterprise Ireland officials held any meetings with the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement in relation to its investment in AI firm, Altada. [15533/23]
View answerAs there is currently a case involving Altada before the High Court and therefore as this matter is sub judice, Enterprise Ireland is not in a position presently to provide information on the details of it's interactions with this company or other interactions with third parties in relation to the company.
52. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Enterprise Ireland appoints nominees to boards of companies in which it holds equity; the average number of boards that an Enterprise Ireland nominee sits on; and the largest number of boards upon which any one Enterprise Ireland nominee sits (details supplied). [15534/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland’s policy is not to take more than a 10% ordinary shareholding in a company. As such, being a small minority shareholder, Enterprise Ireland’s shareholder agreement does not provide for the right to take up a Board position. Enterprise Ireland’s position and rights are protected under their terms of their shareholders agreement with the company.
53. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of private rented sector housing cuckoo funds, and the total value of same, that Enterprise Ireland has directly or indirectly invested in through its venture capital scheme in the past ten years. [15535/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland has not invested into any housing or other property funds through its seed and venture capital fund Schemes (SVC). Through the SVC Schemes, Enterprise Ireland, supported by my Department, invests into early stage seed and venture capital funds whose mandate is to provide investment capital to Irish SMEs engaged in manufacturing or Internationally traded services activities. As part of the SVC Scheme 2019-2024, Enterprise Ireland has made €175 million available to stimulate job creation and to support the funding requirements of early-stage innovative Irish companies with global ambitions. SVC allocations are aligned primarily with the ICT, Life Sciences, Industrial and Food & Manufacturing sectors.
54. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average seven-year survival rate of companies that Enterprise Ireland has invested in through its start up investment fund. [15536/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland supports the development of export led start up companies through its High Potential Start Up Programme. Enterprise Ireland reviews the company success rate after 5 years post Enterprise Ireland Investment. The survival rate of High Potential Start Up Companies Supported by Enterprise Ireland in the period 2012 to 2016, 5 years post Enterprise Ireland investment, was 75%.
55. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total investment value that Enterprise Ireland has made in renewable energy companies in the past ten years; and to outline what percentage of Enterprise Ireland’s current total investment portfolio is in renewable energy. [15537/23]
View answerThe mandate of Enterprise Ireland is in general to support manufacturing and Internationally traded services companies based in Ireland that are internationally focused.
Enterprise Ireland does not however operate any Schemes which support renewable energy companies that are generating energy for sale to the grid. EI grant aid is provided to companies under the Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection and Energy 2014-2020 (extended). These supports are operated under the State Aid General Block Exemption Regulation and provide support to companies seeking to reduce the impact on the environment and to develop decolonisation programmes. Other such supports are also provided through the Green Transition Fund and the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.
56. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what steps his Department is taking to assist Irish companies to avail of opportunities in the US by collaborating for projects under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. [15566/23]
View answer57. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what steps his Department is taking, in conjunction with the European Commission, to assist Irish companies to avail of opportunities in the US by collaborating for projects under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. [15567/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.
My Department, through Enterprise Ireland, is constantly working to help Irish companies in their export journey to access global markets. In the US market, Enterprise Ireland is pursuing market opportunities through its network of six US offices as well as supporting their development agendas in Ireland. Companies are encouraged to avail of all Agency supports both current and prospective and there is also close Governmental and Agency cooperation with, for example, Select USA, the U.S. government program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce that focuses on facilitating inward FDI job-creating businesses into the United States.
In response to the proposals in the US Inflation Reduction Act 2022, the European Commission has recently updated the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, originally designed to assist with the impacts of the war in Ukraine, into a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. This update was released in March 2023 and focuses primarily on energy and climate related measures. Ireland will look to use the flexibilities under this Framework and also in the context of work underway in the EU-US Inflation Reduction Act Taskforce to resolve some of the issues that have arisen in relation to the Inflation Reduction Act. In this context, our Agencies will also work to develop supportive measures for Irish companies in order to exploit business opportunities emerging for Irish companies in the U.S. and to support sustainable and resilient supply chains in that regard.
Last February, the European Commission published its Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age which seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry and accelerate the transition to climate neutrality. It has been developed, in part, in the context of US Inflation Reduction Act. The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) launched by the European Commission earlier this month forms part of Pillar 1 of the Green Deal. It aims to create a regulatory environment that will provide an effective framework for net-zero technologies and also support the scaling up of the EU's net-zero manufacturing capacities and products, helping to meet Europe's climate neutrality goals, create green jobs and maintain the EU’s competitiveness.
My Department will be launching a public consultation on the NZIA in early April and businesses, enterprise representatives and all interested parties are encouraged to engage with that process and provide their views on the proposed NZIA and put forward their perspectives as to how the NZIA can best be aligned to support enterprise to avail of the opportunities that will arise as we transition to a net-zero economy.
58. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of those connected to the microgeneration pilot scheme from 2009 to 2014 who are being paid as deemed export but are not exporting; and the number that are exporting and not being paid what they should (details supplied). [15548/23]
View answerI understand that up to the end of 2022, approximately 46,127 microgenerators have successfully registered with ESB Networks (ESBN) for an export grid connection, using the Microgeneration Installation notification form (NC6). The breakdown for microgeneration connections between 2009 and 2014 is given in the table below.
|
Year |
Microgen Connections |
|
2009 |
454 |
|
2010 |
255 |
|
2011 |
197 |
|
2012 |
118 |
|
2013 |
146 |
|
2014 |
287 |
In the lifetime of the Microgeneration pilot scheme, I understand that ESBN collected export data for 907 Meter Point Registration Numbers (MPRNs). During the pilot, data from import/export meters were provided to suppliers. However, in order to facilitate and support the new Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme developed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU); ESBN worked with industry stakeholders to develop a new Interim Retail Market Microgeneration (IRMM) Remuneration of Renewables Self-consumers for exported electricity solution. As part of this, the legacy microgeneration pilot scheme was transitioned to be consistent with the IRMM solution and data from the pilot scheme is no longer provided to suppliers.
Details on those who are being paid based on either deemed export or validated smart meter export data, are a matter for each individual and their electricity supplier; and are not publicly available.
59. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made towards the target of reducing demand for fossil gas by 15% as part of the RePowerEU plan; the reason the reduction in demand for fossil gas in the State was the smallest in the EU, only reducing demand by 0.3% compared with the EU average of 19%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15628/23]
View answerThe Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1369 on coordinated demand-reduction measures for gas, requires that each Member State use their best efforts to reduce their national gas consumption from 1 August 2022 to 31 March 2023 by at least by 15% compared to their average gas consumption for the same period over the previous five years.
Information provided to my Department by Gas Networks Ireland indicates that overall gas demand, including power generation, was trending at a reduction of 0.4% lower than the 5-year average. When gas used for power generation is excluded, demand has decreased by a greater amount, with a reduction of 13.6%.
Ireland has a high reliance on gas-fired generation, particularly as a back-up when wind-powered generation is unavailable. Around 50% of electricity in Ireland is generated from gas, which represented around 55% of total of natural gas demand for this winter period. Given the current tightness in the electricity system, there is presently limited scope for fuel switching in the power sector.
Ireland is not subject to the mandatory gas demand reduction requirement, along with Cyprus and Malta, which would apply in the event a union alert were declared by the Council in accordance with the provisions of the Council regulation.
60. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage change in demand for gas in all sectors, including electricity generation, residential, and industrial and commercial, broken down by retail, construction, laundry, leisure, air travel, data centres, pharma, hospitals, and any other key sectors, for the year 2022, in tabular form. [15629/23]
View answerThe following information has been provided by Gas Networks Ireland and outlines the percentage change in demand for the power generation, residential and industrial and commercial sectors for 2022 compared with 2021. A more detailed breakdown of demand in the I/C sector has also been provided.
|
Sector |
2022 vs 2021 |
|
ROI Power Generation |
8% |
|
Residential |
-12% |
|
Industrial & Commercial Total |
-6% |
|
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport |
-4% |
|
Construction |
-33% |
|
Data Centres |
-7% |
|
Education Campuses |
-7% |
|
Food and Beverage |
-6% |
|
Hospital |
6% |
|
Laundry |
25% |
|
Leisure / Sport Arenas |
25% |
|
Manufacturing |
-18% |
|
Medical Devices |
-2% |
|
Office Complexes |
8% |
|
Pharma |
4% |
|
Prison |
-4% |
|
Retail |
78% |
|
Air Travel |
4% |
|
Waste Management |
-9% |
|
Hotel |
23% |
|
Manufacturing including oil refining |
-18% |
61. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grants available for an individual to install solar panels on farm buildings, in the case of the individual not being an active farmer and therefore not installing them for agricultural use but, rather, to sell the electricity back to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15632/23]
View answerThe Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity by 2030, including over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW.
The first phase of the scheme, consisting of a Domestic solar PV grant, commenced in February 2022. The second phase of the scheme, announced on 22nd September, saw Solar PV grants being extended to the non-domestic sector, for installations up to and including 6 kW. This includes small to medium-sized businesses, public organisations and community groups. Both grants are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and are up to a maximum of €2,400.
This new phase of the scheme provides an opportunity for non-domestic consumers to reduce their electricity bills. Moreover, with the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators is now eligible for an export payment; which further supports the investment.
The final phase of the MSS will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff, to support non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 50kWp. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP tariff in 2023.
My Department is also developing the Small-Scale Generation (SSG) scheme for generators above 50kW to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV in cohorts that are not as suited to other support measures, such as the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). This scheme is expected to be launched in 2023.
62. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications given that Ireland ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities five years ago, his plans for providing that disabled persons organisations, DPOs, are prioritised in consultations and monitoring regarding the sustainable development goals, as advised by the UN Committee Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in general comment No. 7, paragraphs 9, 32, 92, and 94 (r). [15644/23]
View answerPeople with disabilities are recognised as relevant stakeholders for sustainable development by the United Nations under resolution 67/290 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets are to be met for all people.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is responsible for co-ordinating disability policy across Government and acts as the national focal point for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
My Department is responsible for overseeing the coherent implementation of the SDGs across Government, including through the development of National Implementation Plans and reporting frameworks.
To achieve a disability-inclusive society, it is important that the SDGs are implemented in line with the UNCRPD and that the two are used together.
In order to promote greater engagement of disabled people with the SDG national stakeholder engagement mechanisms, information and advertisement of events, including the SDG National Stakeholder Forum and the SDG Champion’s Programme, are circulated in accessible formats among Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) and other relevant organisations.
In addition, a nomination from DPOs was sought for the new SDG Forum Committee established in Q4 2022 to input into the design, format and work programme of the SDG National Stakeholder Forum.
The objective of my Department and the new Forum Committee is to ensure that the format of Forum meetings is as inclusive and accessible as possible for all participants.
At the January 2023 SDG National Stakeholder Forum meeting - which focused on the principle of Leaving No One Behind - a number of steps were taken to promote better accessibility and inclusivity, including:
- The event was promoted using plain English. It was also made clear in the promotional material that everyone was welcome and specific harder-to-reach organisations and groups were directly invited.
- The event was held as a hybrid session which could be attended online or in-person.
- A sign-language interpreter was interpreting on stage and on screen.
- PowerPoint Slides and materials used at the event were made available in advance of the meeting upon request.
- The venue was fully wheelchair accessible and clear signage for facilities was on display.
- Verbal accessibility instructions were given at the beginning of the meeting and an accessibility officer was on hand for any questions or issues which arose during the day.
- A quiet room was available at all times and attendees were invited to participate in the workshops or to take time to reflect on the day and its theme individually.
Feedback from the event was that the addition of live transcription would also help participation and this recommendation has been incorporated into the plans for the April SDG National Stakeholder Forum meeting which will focus on Ireland’s 2023 Voluntary National Review.
63. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will support the conservation of invasive pike in Lough Melvin SAC under the current conservation of pike bye-law No. 809 of 2006 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15652/23]
View answerThe Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006, referred to by the Deputy relates to measures concerning the catching and retaining of Pike. This Bye-Law is in force for the last 17 years on a National basis.
As recently advised by my officials at a meeting of the Angling Consultative Council of Ireland, a review of all Bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their application will be commenced shortly. It is intended that Bye-law 809 of 2006 will be reviewed early in that process.
I refer to the response to Question No.12139/23,of 9 March last, in relation the operational character of species management and the transboundary nature of the waters in question.
64. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many solar farms other than micro-generated solar energy are currently plugged into the national grid. [15681/23]
View answerOverall, 2022 was a record year for the connection of new renewable electricity generation to the electricity network.
With regard to solar generation projects, a total estimated capacity of 559 MW of solar is currently connected to the electricity grid. ESB Networks, the Distribution System Operator, have 220 solar generation project connections registered, excluding micro-generation customer connections. EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator, report having 3 transmission system connected solar generation projects.
Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, Ireland has a target of 8 GW of solar by 2030 as part of a programme of work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector in line with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act.
65. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many homes have availed of the national home energy upgrade scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023. [15682/23]
View answer66. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many homes have availed of the free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty in 2022 and to date in 2023. [15683/23]
View answer67. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many community energy grants have been delivered in 2022 and to date in 2023. [15684/23]
View answer68. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many homes have availed of the new home energy upgrade scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023. [15685/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 to 68, inclusive, together.
The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, in February 2022, Government launched a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
Following the introduction of the new measures, demand across the SEAI grant supported schemes was exceptionally high in 2022 and to date this year with data from SEAI showing:
- 27,200 home energy upgrades were supported in 2022, compared to 15,246 in 2021, representing a 79% increase year-on year. To end of February 2023, 6,125 home energy upgrades have been delivered.
- In 2022, 4,438 homes were delivered across the fully funded schemes which represents an increase of 85% on the number supported in 2021. 466 home energy upgrades have been completed under the Warmer Homes Scheme to the end of February 2023.
- There were 8,481 home upgrades to a BER B2 in 2022, representing a 95% increase year-on-year. Figures to the end of February 2023, show 2,047 homes have been upgraded to a post work BER of B2 or better.
- In 2022, 643 home energy upgrades were completed under the NHEUS (National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme). Under the Scheme, 145 home energy upgrades have been completed as at end of February 2023.
- 24 contracts were agreed under the Community Energy Grant in 2022. Last year 295 home energy upgrades were completed along with 53 non-domestic projects. There is a strong pipeline of works in place for 2023 under these contracts and first batch of home energy upgrades for 2023 is expected by the end of April.
A more detailed overview of the SEAI 2022 performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in their recently published quarterly report, which can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/news-and-media/home-energy-upgrades-2022/
My Department is working with SEAI to build on the strong performance of 2022. A record €356 million in funding has been allocated to SEAI for residential and community retrofit for 2023 to support the delivery of 37,000 retrofits this year.
69. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will establish an additional hourly service on the Cork-Kinsale 226 route that does not include the airport, to facilitate local passengers and commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15511/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to an additional hourly service on the Cork-Kinsale 226 route that does not include the airport, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
70. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether transport hubs in towns across Ireland that allow for the integration of rail, bus, taxi and smarter travel facilities supported by RTPI signs for the public are a good idea. [15542/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the concept of transport hubs in towns with the location of all public transport services, information on such services, smart travel links form such hubs and local facilities, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
71. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding plans for increased rail connectivity for Dublin Port; if his Department has carried out any assessment to include greater freight rail connectivity in the Port 3FM project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15569/23]
View answerDublin Port Company (DPC) is the largest and busiest port in the State serving the trading needs of Ireland with on average 70% of all vessel visits and over 50% of all tonnage handled by ports in Ireland. National Ports Policy (NPP) categorises DPC as a Port of National Significance (Tier 1) and it is a ‘Core’ port within the TEN-T Regulation at a European level.
It is a legal requirement for ports recognised under Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 or the trans-European transport networks for Transport (TEN-T) to have rail connections in place by the deadlines set out in the regulation. ‘Core’ ports, such as Dublin Port, must have working rail connections by 2030 and ‘Comprehensive’ ports must have rail connections by 2050.
The container rail freight service to Ballina continues to operate with five return freight services per week from Ballina to Dublin Port. In addition to the Ballina rail freight service, all of Tara Mines exports of lead and zinc ore concentrate are delivered to Dublin Port by rail.
Rail freight operates to two ports in Ireland, Dublin and Waterford: the latter since a twice-weekly rail freight service between Ballina and the Port of Waterford recommenced on 29 September 2021. Currently, rail accounts for less than 1% of all movements of containers and trailers through Dublin Port and less than 1% of all such movements through all Irish ports.
My department, in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), is undertaking a strategic review of the heavy rail network on the island of Ireland. The All-Ireland Strategy Rail Review will consider all issues in relation to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, including the potential for high-/higher speed(s), improved connectivity to the Northwest and rail connectivity to our international gateways, with the latter considering the potential role of rail freight. Dublin Port and Irish Rail have stated that they are committed to working towards facilitating rail freight to the port and the matter is being considered in the context of the All-Island Rail Review. It is expected that the Review will be published in the second half of 2023.
The 3FM project proposed development focuses on Dublin Port-owned lands on the Poolbeg Peninsula and follows on from the first two Masterplan phases focused on the Port lands north of the bay – with considerable work completed on the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment, and MP2 which has recently commenced construction. Rail connectivity to the 3FM project is being considered in the context of rail connectivity to Dublin Port as a whole in the ongoing discussions between Dublin Port and Irish Rail. Consultation on the 3FM project began this month.
I believe strongly in the potential of rail freight to make a significant contribution to climate action initiatives and tackle road congestion. That is why, as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, I have included it as a specific topic of focus.
72. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the numerous breakdowns on 20 March 2023 on the Bus Éireann route 32 from Dublin to Letterkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15598/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the deputy in relation to the reason for the numerous breakdowns on 20 March 2023 on the Bus Éireann route 32 from Dublin to Letterkenny is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
73. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of no response issuing from the relevant personnel at Iarnród Éireann to repeated requests from this Deputy, he will instruct Iarnród Éireann to supply this Deputy with a copy of the 2008 agreement between Iarnród Éireann and Wexford County Council relating to a proposed new bridge over the railway line at Park Carcur, County Wexford, and also a copy of a new agreement on the same matter concluded in November 2023, both agreements reported in a newspaper (details supplied) on 23 November 2022 on foot of an official communiqué to that paper from Iarnród Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15608/23]
View answer74. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify whether a proposed new bridge over the railway line at Park Carcur, County Wexford, is designed only for access to the development of 413 accommodation units for which planning permission exists, or if the design is meant also to facilitate a larger carriageway which would lead to a future new bridge over the River Slaney to Crosstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15609/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
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 day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issues raised by the Deputy concerning agreements between Iarnród Éireann and Wexford County Council regarding a proposed new bridge over the railway line at Park Carcur, County Wexford, and any details of such, is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
