210. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the fact that public transport connections to Dublin Airport are being significantly increased and improved, his plans to increase public transport accessibility to Shannon Airport, including the provision of a long-heralded rail spur to Shannon Airport. [67282/26]

Following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. The Strategy 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 National Development Plan (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.

Building a rail spur from to Shannon Airport is a longer-term recommendation in the Rail Review, to be progressed following delivery of the Early Interventions and initial Major Projects under existing plans.

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.

In relation to the provision bus services at the Airport, I note that as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

I am aware of a number of Public Service Obligation (PSO) and commercial bus services to Shannon Airport.

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