Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
237. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of the following measures to improve Irish Rail services; increasing the frequency of current DART services by 10% and 20% respectively; increasing the frequency of current commuter services by 10% and 20% respectively; increasing the frequency of current Intercity services by 10% and 20% respectively; and the expected cost of completing the Western Rail Corridor. [43035/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In relation to the cost of the potential re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor a financial and economic appraisal, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants, was published early last year and is available to view at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/
This report was subject to a short independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU/EIB, and that review is also available to view through the above link.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the scheduling of public transport services, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question regarding the estimated costs of increasing the frequency of Rail Services by 10% and 20% to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
