599. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the compensation arrangements that will apply to property owners whose land is acquired for the FourNorth project; if compensation may include impacts on the value or amenity of the retained property; if reasonable costs associated with obtaining independent professional valuation advice will be recoverable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63817/26]

600. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the compensation arrangements that will apply to property owners whose land is acquired for the FourNorth project; if compensation may include impacts on the value or amenity of the retained property; if reasonable costs associated with obtaining independent professional valuation advice will be recoverable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63815/26]

601. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the statutory process that will apply where private land is required by compulsory acquisition for the FourNorth project; the rights available to affected property owners to make submissions or objections; the body responsible for determining such objections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63813/26]

602. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport when residents adjoining the Connolly to Malahide rail corridor who may be directly affected by the FourNorth project will be notified; the arrangements for direct engagement with those residents before the emerging preferred option is finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63812/26]

603. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if alternatives to the acquisition of residential properties or private gardens are being examined in the development of the FourNorth project, including the use of non-residential land where feasible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63811/26]

604. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the additional land currently expected to be required for the FourNorth project; the locations along the corridor where land acquisition may be necessary; if residential properties or private gardens may be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63810/26]

607. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if the design of the FourNorth project is intended to facilitate future rail infrastructure or expansion; if any additional land is being safeguarded or considered for acquisition for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63819/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604 and 607 together.

As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

Pending this response I note that FourNorth has been co-funded by the European Unions Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), and the Department of Transport to help advance its design, these studies that are now progressing through their final stages. These studies will help support the preparation of appraisal documents required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. A public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Option for FourNorth is planned to take place later this year. The further development of FourNorth will be considered as part of the update of the GDA Transport Strategy which is due to commence next year.

Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.