Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
54. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport his plans to undertake a feasibility study on the development of a railway network in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35798/20]
View answerThe 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.
