Vol. 575 No. 1
22 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with regard to his consideration of the strategic rail review; his views on all the recommendations made in the report; if it is intended to implement the recommendations; the timeframe over which he views this could be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27839/03]
The strategic rail review, which was published last April, is the most comprehensive, significant and rigorous analysis of the rail sector ever undertaken in Ireland. It provides the Government with a policy framework for the future development of passenger and freight services in Ireland over a 20 year period in a manner consistent with the national spatial strategy.
The board of Iarnród Éireann has now considered the findings of the strategic rail review and their prioritised investment programme based on the review for the period up to 2008 has been submitted to my Department and is under consideration.
23 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport further to his commitment to support rail freight, if no gantries or unloading equipment will be removed from any Iarnród Éireann freight depot in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27814/03]
35 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of rail freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27663/03]
48 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport his plans for rail freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27660/03]
72 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport his plans for freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27665/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 35, 48 and 72 together.
I have stated consistently that I believe that every effort should be made by Irish Rail to develop its rail freight business. Since the publication of the strategic rail review earlier this year, my Department has held a number of meetings with Irish Rail at which the company has reported on its progress in improving the performance of its freight business. Irish Rail's immediate priority is to achieve financial viability for its freight business. The company's strategy is to develop the profitable traffics such as bulk cement and mineral ore concentrates and reshape the loss making container business.
Irish Rail informs me that the fortunes of its freight operations have improved considerably in recent times. It has secured two major contracts and is in the process of consolidating those markets which are financially sustainable.
The company has stated that it is confident that the outlook for its freight business is promising in the short to medium term.
With regard to the allocation of individual pieces of equipment between different Irish Rail facilities, this is an operational matter for the company itself to decide. However, I understand that no plans exist to remove or replace any serviceable gantry. Individual smaller pieces of machinery can and are moved between different depots to provide necessary services from time to time.
Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 7.
