Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2017
54. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will assure Irish Rail passengers that no rail line in the network will be closed; and the timeframe for the review report to be published. [49280/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is planned to make final decisions on the rail review carried out by Iarnród Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, in 2016; if consideration is being given to the closure of some railway lines based on this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49436/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 57 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann report on the Rail Review was published in 2016. Since then, the NTA has held a public consultation on the Review. Over 300 submissions were received in response to that consultation process.
The NTA recently submitted a report of those submissions to my Department. When I have reviewed the report and the NTA has updated it to reflect the increased funding that has now been made available in Budget 2018 for both current subvention and, in particular, the Capital Plan 2018 to 2021, I intend to bring it to Government for consideration.
It is my intention that the NTA's report on the consultation would be published by the NTA following consideration by Government. 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.
Clearly the role and potential of rail is intrinsically linked to where people live, work and wish to travel and these very issues form the core of Government’s National Planning Framework which has recently been published for public consultation. When finalised, the new National Planning Framework will form an important context for consideration of issues raised by the Rail Review Report and for any recommendations that I may bring to Government in due course.
