Vol. 551 No. 4
19 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if CIE has accepted the need to ring-fence part of its subsidy to upgrade and pro mote Iarnród Éireann's rail freight business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10522/02]
The subvention paid to CIE is provided to support socially necessary but commercially non-viable public transport services provided in accordance with the statutory public service obligation of the company.
Arising from the report, Iarnród Éireann: The Way Forward, I recently announced a major strategic study which will provide a strategic framework for future Government decisions on rail development over the next decades and will provide priorities for investment. The study will include a particular examination of the future potential of rail freight in contributing to economic development and environmental considerations and the funding issues arising, including those raised by the Deputy.
The study will also take account of the recent EU Commission White Paper on European Transport Policy for 2010 which aims to promote the revival of the rail network in the EU and particularly the rail freight network.
