Rail Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023

Thursday, 13 July 2023

Questions (262)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

262. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will write to Irish Rail, Louth County Council and the NTA to seek if a feasibility study can be undertaken to look at the provision of a new Drogheda north railway station to prepare for the introduction of DART services to Drogheda in the coming years given the phenomenal population growth in the town and the need to reduce the significant number of commuter vehicles; the carbon footprint travelling from the north of Drogheda to the south Drogheda railway station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35266/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport,  I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The maintenance, renewal and operation of the rail network and stations on the network, including the proposed station referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.

As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions. Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that a draft will be published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation later this month. Following consultation, it is expected that the final Review will be published before the end of the year.

Noting IÉ's responsibility in relation to the rail network and stations on the network, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51