Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
78. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the implementation of the all-island strategic rail review, including timelines and next steps, with specific reference to the development of the new passenger service on the Limerick-Foynes rail line, the spur to Shannon Airport and the upgrade of the Limerick Junction-Limerick-Waterford line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22114/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft Report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment, or SEA, public consultation in July of last year.
The draft Report makes 30 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system across the island up to 2050. Implementation of these recommendations would result in substantial improvements in the capacity, speed, frequency and reach of the rail system. Journey times by rail would be much reduced, and frequency would increase to at least hourly between cities and every two hours on rural and regional routes. The network would be decarbonised, with the intercity routes electrified.
The recommendations also aim to enhance connectivity with the major airports on the island, including by providing a spur to Shannon Airport. They also support increasing the modal share of rail freight, in part by upgrading Limerick Junction and its link with the Waterford line.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions and that the final Review will be published in the Summer.
Separate to the Rail Review, Iarnród Éireann commenced works on reinstating the rail line between Limerick city and Foynes Port for rail freight services. Construction on the line commenced in early 2023 and it is anticipated that the line will re-open for freight services by 2026.
Noting the Iarnród Éireann’s responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
