Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
54. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the reason a reply has not been issued to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 13 February 2024 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11043/24]
View answerDeputy Ó Cuív,
Our records show that my Department issued a response to Parliamentary Question 6316 in advance of the deadline of the 13th of February. The response is included below:
As 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.
In terms of investment, Iarnród Éireann intend to add to the existing operational fleet, in line with prevailing demand. Iarnród Éireann is maximising use of their rolling stock to meet demand and will continue to monitor passenger loadings. The next significant rail expansion involves two initial orders of 185 electric and battery-electric carriages for the DART+ Fleet, placed in December 2021 (95 carriages) and December 2022 (90 carriages). Up to 750 carriages in total are to be ordered over the coming decade. The first 95 carriages will arrive from mid-2024, entering service from 2025. This will allow for further service improvements across the rail network, and it will allow for increased capacity.
The query raised by the Deputy in relation to passenger numbers is an operational matter for Irish Rail. 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
As above, this Parliamentary Question was referred to Irish Rail to issue you with a more substantive answer to your question. Our records show that Irish Rail issued such a response to you on the 27th of February.
