Rail Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2015

Tuesday, 27 January 2015

Ceisteanna (609)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

609. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 993 of 14 January 2015, if his Department has funding available for the opening of railway stations; the extent that private funding is relied upon for the opening of railway stations; his views on the matter of providing railway stations in communities that are less commercially attractive to private investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3827/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Under the current capital plan the key priority with the level of resources available is to protect investments made to date and to maintain safety standards. There is no Exchequer funding available to open new train stations. If additional funds become available under the next capital plan, which is not certain, there will be many competing projects from all transport modes in all regions.

Any additional funds will be prioritised for projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to existing infrastructure.

In the past there have been circumstances where Developer and Section 49 Levies have contributed, along with Exchequer funding, towards the cost of new railway stations in Cork and Dublin. In addition, some stations have been funded by private developer funding. These were in Strategic Development Zones or in areas of high predicted growth.