Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
235. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport his vision for the way in which the communities from the south west, the west and on to counties Sligo, Donegal and Derry can be connected by rail and his plans to advance this vision. [28756/20]
View answerI think the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out a very clear vision to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland. To make that change, we need a whole of system perspective across all modes of transport, whether that is active travel, bus or rail. Getting that whole-of-system perspective requires evidence-based and plan-led transport infrastructure development, as well as transport infrastructure development that integrates with and acts as a catalyst for improved land-use planning.
In relation to inter-urban rail, I have recently agreed with my Northern colleague Minister Nicola Mallon, MLA, the need to develop further existing draft terms of reference for a proposed study of rail speeds on the Belfast-Dublin-Limerick Junction-Cork corridor, designated at EU level as a TEN-T Core Corridor. Our intention is to ensure the finalised terms of reference take sufficient cognisance of the need for balanced regional development, particularly in relation to connectivity with the North-West.
Our Departments will work together with other relevant stakeholders in finalising the terms of reference and moving forward with the procurement of consultants.
I look forward to the commencement of this important study in due course.
