Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
103. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the review of the rail network across both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland; the progress that has taken place regarding the development of the terms of reference for the review with a view to launching the tender process in the first quarter of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8542/21]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department is co-operating with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and other relevant stakeholders in order to develop terms of reference for a strategic rail review of the network on the island of Ireland.
As I have previously stated, this review will consider all issues in relation to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, including the potential for high-/higher speed(s), rail freight and improved connectivity to the North West..
I am informed that the ambition remains to have the initial phase of work completed to allow for the launch of the tender process by end Q1.
