Mick Barry
Ceist:73. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the unfolding financial crisis Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30132/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 28 June 2017
Ceisteanna (73)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy is aware that the taxpayer makes a significant and recurring contribution each year to Iarnród Éireann. This contribution takes the form of both current, PSO, funding and also capital funding under what is known as the IMMAC (infrastructure management multi-annual contract). In 2016 funding under both the PSO and IMMAC programmes cumulatively increased by 10% when compared with 2015, and Budget 2017 has further improved that funding position.
However, I recognise that there are issues for consideration in relation to how we fund our rail network and by extension Iarnrod Éireann. In August 2015 my Department published the Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport which outlined the funding pressures across both our rail and road networks and made a number of recommendations in respect of our key priorities and principles for future investment.
In relation to rail, the Strategic Investment Framework recommended the development of a new rail policy and last year the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann published the Rail Review Report 2016 on which the NTA held a public consultation.
Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to that consultation process which have now all been examined and the NTA is preparing a report of those submissions.
In advance of that, no decisions have been taken regarding matters such as the future of individual rail lines or investment in the company and its relevant infrastructure.
As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. It is obvious that, once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. I look forward to the finalisation and adoption by Government in the coming months of the new National Planning Framework, which I believe will form an important context for my consideration of issues raised by the Rail Review Report and any recommendations I will bring to Government.