Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017
273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in rail services over the next five years, including any extension to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6386/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of heavy rail in Ireland's Transport sector is currently under review. Last November, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann launched a public consultation process on the Rail Review Report. The public consultation concluded on 18th January and the NTA is preparing a report about the process which I intend to bring to Government. No decisions on any changes to the rail network will be made until the public consultation process has been evaluated.
The main emphasis of funding for the rail network under the Government's current Capital Plan has been on the maintenance of the existing network to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose. Present funding allocations should see steady-state levels of maintenance achieved by 2020. The Government is embarking on a Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan, which will take stock of progress and provide the Government with an opportunity to consider the scope for increased levels of investment, including in the transport sector, taking economic growth and fiscal progress into account. That work will be progressed in the coming months.
