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Rail Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Ceisteanna (101, 906)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of proposed augmentation and investment in rail services over the next five years, with particular reference to the extent that services can be tailored to meet the ongoing travel requirements of commuters by identifying the best way in which rail services in general can meet the demands of medium to middle distance commuters from towns and villages outside of the greater Dublin area, thereby alleviating road traffic congestion and reducing travel time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45369/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

906. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to meet or exceed expectations regarding the extension of commuter and intercity rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45345/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 906 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for ensuring the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, to meet the demands of the rail services, provision for which, as the Deputy is aware, is outlined in the Government's National Development Plan 2018-2027.

Over the period 2018 to 2022 our heavy rail network will benefit from significantly improved investment levels which will in turn benefit passengers across the network.

This investment will support the roll-out of the NTA's statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath) and provide for projects such as

- Completion of the City Centre Re-Signalling project;

- Commencement of the National Train Control Centre project;

- Expansion of services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel to include off-peak and weekend, benefitting passengers along the Kildare line;

- Commencement of the overall DART Expansion project; and

- Procurement of additional rail fleet to allow for expected future passenger growth.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities on this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 76.
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