Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
155. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the details of any analysis carried out or commissioned by his Department, or bodies under the aegis of his Department, into the adequacy of rail services on the Athenry to Galway route; his plans to provide more frequent rail services on this route; his plans to put in place additional carriages on trains on this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2268/24]
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 for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The Department of Transport has not carried out analysis into the adequacy of rail services on the Athenry to Galway route.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the potential of additional carriages on the Athenry to Galway is an operational matters for Irish Rail in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
