As the Deputy may be aware, a number of significant improvements are planned across Ireland's rail network over the coming years, including on the Dublin to Rosslare line. Last year, some changes to timetables on the line were introduced, including a new late evening service between Wexford and Gorey. I look forward to similar such timetable improvements being introduced in the coming years. My Department is also working to pursue the recommendations in the all-island strategic rail review, including an increase in services between Wexford and Rosslare to at least one train every two hours by 2030. As part of the DART+ programme, specifically the DART+ coastal south project, it is planned to increase service frequency between the Bray and Greystones portion of the Rosslare line from approximately every 30 minutes in each direction to every 20 minutes. Work is ongoing by larnród Eireann and the NTA to investigate the best way to achieve this frequency improvement, including any infrastructure needs, and it is currently anticipated that it can be delivered by around 2028. Furthermore, the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, adopted in 2023, included a recommendation to extend the DART service to Wicklow town. I understand this extension can be facilitated through utilising the new battery-electric DART carriages which are currently arriving in Ireland and undergoing testing. The new battery-electric DART carriages will first be deployed from Dublin to Drogheda next year. As more carriages arrive, it may be feasible to also deploy them to extend DART services to and from Wicklow, subject to funding and approvals for the required charging infrastructure. The NTA is examining this issue with a view to progressing the extension around 2029. This could increase service frequency along that portion of the Rosslare to Dublin line from circa six trains a day each way to up to one train every hour. Overall, these plans offer the potential for a much higher level of train service on the Dublin to Rosslare line, which I look forward to progressing.
Sentiment score: 0.25
I hear the Deputy's frustration when he suggests there should be better and more frequent services. This is where the all-island rail review comes into focus. Improvements in the line to Wexford and Rosslare are part of the overall plan. Some of the infrastructural investment that has to go in will be a challenge, considering where the line is and the infrastructure that will be required. It is important we have connectivity to the regions, including Wexford and Rosslare, and to have it equal to every other part of the country. It will take time but it is something we are looking at. We need more improvements and more infrastructure and the all-Ireland rail review sets out the pathway by which we do that. We will also be looking at the national development plan to ensure we have the funding to do it.
Sentiment score: 0.16
We are on the same wavelength here. We need proper investment and to deliver infrastructure that suits people's demands. On the Dublin-Belfast issue, the popularity of the train service has created additional demand. That is a good thing. It means it is working. We have to keep it working right across the country and put investment into it. We also have to provide a good passenger experience to retain long-term customers. We need to invest a lot of money in bringing the rail network up to a standard that will attract more people to it. We have to provide carriages, rail infrastructure and passing loops and to increase the number of rail lines we have. That is all to be done. It is in the all-island rail review. It is a big challenge but if we are to provide services, take cars off the road and so on, this is the way to do it.
Sentiment score: 0.18
I thank the Deputy. As she may be aware, the NTA published the final new bus network design for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway, which aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people. This new Galway network redesign involves extensive analysis and public consultation. The NTA carried out a detailed review of the bus network in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council and local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network published that December. The new bus network will result in increased access to more schools and workplaces across Galway city, Barna and Oranmore. Once implemented, approximately 67% of residents will live within 400 m of a high-frequency bus route, that is, buses running every 15 minutes or better. The NTA is currently working closely with Galway city and county councils to progress key infrastructure required for the roll-out of the redesigned services. The redesigned services are expected to commence in 2027, subject to operational readiness and funding. Other elements of BusConnects Galway are under development, including the cross-city link project, which was approved by An Bord Pleanála in September 2024 and is currently subject to judicial review, and the Dublin Road scheme, which the NTA is due to submit to An Bord Pleanála shortly. The Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycling bridge was officially opened to the public in May 2023, helping to improve existing bus services. Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably. I look forward to the full implementation of BusConnects in Galway, no more than the Deputy.
Sentiment score: 0.21
I, too, question why we have to wait two years to get it implemented. It is something I will be going back on because it is important that we deliver infrastructure faster. The Government's approach is to implement things rather than strategise them. We have enough of the paperwork done. We need to get it going. We have a huge problem with traffic in Galway city. We need to push on with the projects we need in the city, which will affect the county in its entirety. At the moment, we are developing Ceannt Station, bringing in four platforms. We have a passing loop in Oranmore, which has planning permission and which will bring more people into the city by public transport. We will also be looking at development of the western rail corridor from Athenry heading north to Claremorris. All of that will mean more people and fewer cars coming in. I agree with the Deputy that the pace at which we are carrying out these infrastructure projects leaves a lot to be desired. I will be taking it up with them.
Sentiment score: 0.05
The Deputy is not the first public representative to talk to me about Mervue, so I am well aware of it.
Sentiment score: 0.34
On the detail the Deputy is looking for as regards the running of the bus service and the contracts that will be in place, that is information I do not have now. I will come back to the Deputy because it is something I need to know about myself. As I said, I am just into the job so I will be finding out.
Sentiment score: 0.00
I thank the Deputy for her kind words. As she is aware, the National Transport Authority published a light rail feasibility study for Galway last October for information. The study was prepared as part of a mode-specific analysis undertaken for the development of the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy, which the NTA is developing, in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. A strategic roads feasibility study is also being undertaken. The findings from both studies will be used to inform the development of a new multimodal strategy, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus services, rail, road and demand management measures. The light rail feasibility study has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system for Galway. It should be noted that any future rail project in Galway will only be advanced subject to funding and securing relevant Government approval under the infrastructure guidelines. The feasibility study is not intended to specifically identify a preferred alignment of a light rail corridor in Galway. Instead, it explores key issues and potential feasibility. Route options will need to be explored in more detail during any subsequent process of options assessment and development. The feasibility study will form part of the evidence base used as an input into the development of the new Galway metropolitan area transport strategy, which will be subject to a full environmental analysis and a public consultation process in due course. Implementation of any recommendations identified in the new strategy will be subject to the availability of funding as might be available under the relevant national development plan. This plan-led, long-term and multimodal approach to transport infrastructure delivery is in line with international best practice. It is important we consider a metropolitan area's transport requirements in the round rather than through the narrow prism of one specific mode. I accept what the Deputy's question asked and I look forward to working with her to improve transport in Galway.
Sentiment score: 0.24
I understand the Deputy's frustration when she talks about this particular problem we have in Galway. I hope we will be able to find solutions. One of the frustrations is that we spend a great deal of time on strategies and plans when we need to spend a little bit more time on implementation so that we can actually see the improvements reaching people on the ground. The light rail feasibility study was published for information last October. It was prepared by experts in international transport. It is a study for information but also to inform planners on the best way forward. However, we have to wait for the roads strategy feasibility study to be completed as well. As we all know, the outer ring road project will be going back to An Bord Pleanála with the further information from Galway County Council. I expect that to happen next month or the month after. That will take another year. There is great frustration among those who come to Galway or work there. It is important that we get some measures in place to try to help.
Sentiment score: 0.21
The Deputy is right. I mentioned earlier that rail infrastructure in Galway is being developed with the development of Ceannt Station and the granting of planning permission for the passing loop at Oranmore. It is important that we create better connectivity into the city but also that we create a city in which you can move around in comfort. On the issue of the park-and-ride facilities that were planned and approved by councillors, I will check that out. I will be meeting with the executive in both the city and county in the coming weeks to see exactly where we are as regards implementation.
Sentiment score: 0.31
As the Deputy is probably aware, this is a project I have been pursuing for a long number of years. The final report of the all-island strategic rail review was published in July last year, following extensive public consultation. The report sets out 32 recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with decarbonisation commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds and higher service frequencies, and new and reinstated rail lines. Included in these recommendations is the work on the reinstatement of the western rail corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, which should commence in 2030. However, the programme for Government commits to working collaboratively to act on the recommendations of the rail review. Assisted by the European Investment Bank advisory services, my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, and agencies north and south of the Border, are working to progress the rail review's recommendations in the years ahead. This work will additionally inform my Department's engagement on the review of the current national development plan, which is planned to take place this year. It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the rail review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the infrastructure guidelines. The publication of the rail review provides a very useful evidence-informed basis for our engagement with the national development plan review later this year. We are already investing in rail in Galway, with Ceannt Station being developed and with the passing loop at Oranmore, which gives us better frequency of services from Athenry to Galway.
Sentiment score: 0.31
There is a timeline. I said that the all-island rail review mentioned a start date of 2030. However, with the review of the national development plan, and in view of the fact that the project does not need planning permission or a rail order, it is a project that can be implemented a lot quicker than that. I hope to talk to and continue to engage with officials. In the context of the national development plan, we hope to ensure that this project gets going as soon as possible. As we said earlier, it is important that we are a Government of implementation rather than one that does strategies. We need to implement the plans we have. We have the money to invest. As the Deputy rightly pointed out, this is a project that will connect Ballina, Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Athenry, and will run down into Limerick and Cork Port, over to Waterford Port, out to Foynes and into Galway. It is bringing back that link to give us connectivity along the Atlantic economic corridor. I will be working with might and main to achieve that in the shortest time possible.
Sentiment score: 0.14