Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
153. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he has been informed of the allocation of new carriages coming on stream in 2024; if carriages will be allocated to Wicklow line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17308/24]
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.
In 2019, Irish Rail placed the order for 41 InterCity Rail cars with Hyundai Rotem. They were delivered to Inchicore to undergo testing and were due to enter service on the basis of increasing capacity on existing services. Decisions on the deployment of the 41 ICRs will be based on current and projected demand and infrastructure capacity, and subject to approval of the National Transport Authority.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the allocation of new train carriages is a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
