I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 245 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the Review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, including on railway line between Waterford and Limerick. Work on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is now at an advanced stage. Before it is finalised, it is expected that it will be issued for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July, with a final version to be published in the Autumn.
As the Deputy may also be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the exchequer funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Waterford to Limerick rail line. This is the fourth year of the five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.3 billion in exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services.
In addition, a feasibility study is currently being undertaken on a proposed capacity enhancement for the rail line between Limerick and Limerick Junction, which may also assist Limerick-Waterford services in future.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
