Vol. 568 No. 6
83 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to advance a Dublin to Derry direct train service in view of the fact that a track exists and the Belfast Dublin section has recently been upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the way in which it can be progressed. [16670/03]
As the Deputy will be aware, I recently published the strategic rail review. The review provides a strategic policy framework for the future development of the rail passenger and rail freight sectors in Ireland. The recommended investment strategy in the review will act as the basis for all major decisions in rail investment over the next 20 years. As part of the work of the review, a public consultation process was undertaken. I am informed that no proposals were submitted for a direct service between Dublin and Derry nor did the review make a recommendation for such a service. However, I will ask the implementation group on the review, that I recently established, to consider the proposal in conjunction with the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland.
