158. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the twin tracking of the Limerick to Limerick Junction railway line including an updated construction timeline and estimated completion date. [67122/26]

As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the twin tracking of the Limerick to Limerick Junction railway line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

Pending a more detailed response I note that, following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department, with the support of the European Investment Bank and in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and rail stakeholders across the island, oversaw the preparation of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. This Strategy was published in December 2025 and outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.

In the short-term to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity including, on the Limerick to Limerick Junction line, a second platform at Limerick Junction station. This will support through-services between Cork and Galway via Limerick, and more through movements for Cork to Limerick. It will also reduce the journey time between Limerick and Waterford by approximately 10-minutes. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP.

The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these are line speed and capacity improvements and electrification of the Limerick to Limerick Junction line.

It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.

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.