Paul Murphy
Ceist:537. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of electrifying all rail networks here. [47190/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 November 2019
Ceisteanna (537)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The Deputy may wish to note that, in line with a commitment contained within Project Ireland 2040 , my Department will next year commission an evaluation of high-speed rail versus higher speeds on the key inter-city routes. That evaluation will consider issues such as electrification as referred to by the Deputy.
The priority for electrification in the medium term is the expansion of the electrified network around the Greater Dublin Area, that part of the network that carries approximately 70% of passenger journeys in any given year. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of the DART Expansion Programme which provides for electrification of the network and expansion of the fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter raised and their relevance to the Deputy's question generally, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A