98. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of plans to upgrade the Dublin to Rosslare rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9272/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I wish the Minister of State well in his role and welcome his commitment to investment in rail transport. I ask about the Dublin to Rosslare rail line specifically, in which there has been a lack of investment. If we are talking about providing a realistic alternative for rail users, there must be real investment in this railway line. In light of the Minister's previous comments about investment in rail, will the Minister of State outline what he plans to do with this much-forgotten service?

Sentiment score: 0.13

I love how the Minister of State described as a significant change the addition of one "late evening service", as he described it. The late evening service left 45 minutes ago so I cannot avail of it. I am not sure what time the Minister of State regards as late evening. He mentioned the six services available to people I represent in Rathdrum, Arklow and Gorey. Equidistant from Dublin is Carlow, represented ably by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, from which there are 11 services daily. Commuters travelling from Dundalk have 16 services while those coming from Portlaoise, equidistant from Dublin with Arklow or Gorey, have 32 services. I do not believe six daily services, in competition with a clogged-up M11, could be regarded as significant investment.

Sentiment score: 0.10

With respect, the only thing being suggested is forcing commuters to change in Wicklow or Greystones. If they are on a train early in the morning and it is wet and cold, commuters from Gorey, Arklow or Rathdrum to the city are expected to change trains. It is not acceptable. The Minister of State needs to be talking about a significant investment. There is discussion as part of the all-island rail review of doubling the number of tracks between Dublin and Belfast to four. I welcome and support that. We ask for the same doubling of the number of tracks, simply from one to two, so more services are available. The M11 is completely clogged up and if we are going to provide an alternative, we need serious investment.

Sentiment score: 0.15