As the Deputy may be aware, regional rail connectivity is one of the key issues for consideration as part of the ongoing All Island Strategic Rail Review. This includes the urban centres referred to by the Deputy
The Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of inter-urban/inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. It will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines. The provision of rail services to the locations referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
A report from the Review is expected to be submitted to me by the end of this year.