Rail Network

Thursday, 30 April 2026

Questions (161)

Peter Roche

Question:

161. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is aware of the decision by the National Transport Authority to withdraw the 6.50 a.m. Athenry–Galway train service; if any assessment has been carried out on the impact this decision will have on commuters, students and workers who rely on early-morning public transport; if this proposal has been considered in the context of national sustainability targets and the commitment to increase public transport usage, given the importance of retaining this service to meet growing commuter demand in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31118/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; 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 and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister of State I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.

In light of the NTA and Irish Rail's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.