Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
65. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the increase in freight services between counties Mayo and Waterford further demonstrates the need for the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32445/21]
View answer199. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the progress of the Strategic Rail Review and work to support the expansion of railway investment including commuter services in urban areas and also regional services such as the Western Rail Corridor. [32453/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 199 together.
I very much welcome the increase in freight services referred to by the Deputy and note this new service from the West to the Port of Waterford utilizes the existing rail network from the West without the need for any additional rail infrastructure.
I do believe that rail can play a greater role in freight generally in Ireland and that role needs to be explored fully. That is why the Strategic Rail Review, which will commence very shortly, will consider the potential for rail freight on the island of Ireland.
The Strategic Rail Review will examine how to improve sustainable connectivity between the major cities, enhance regional accessibility, support balanced regional development and improve rail connectivity to our international gateways, with the latter considering the role of rail freight. The Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines.
My Department launched the procurement process in April and the tender process is underway. Once completed, I expect work on the Review itself to commence shortly thereafter. While the ultimate duration of the Review will be determined by the work programmes submitted by tenderers it is a requirement of the published request for tender that the work take no longer than 12 months.
The Review will not be considering urban commuter rail as that consideration takes place within each of the five cities’ metropolitan area transport strategies; however, obviously the Review will consider the interactions between any improved inter-urban rail service and the urban commuter rail services. There are a number of improvements planned or underway in relation to urban commuter rail, such as –
- Dublin: the DART+ programme will be brought later this year to Government for its approval under the Public Spending Code’s Decision Gate 1, which will allow the first element of the programme enter the statutory planning process;
- Greater Dublin Area: 41 additional rail carriages for the wider Greater Dublin Area commuter rail fleet are under construction with delivery scheduled for next year;
- Cork: a €185million investment in Cork’s commuter rail network has been included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan as submitted to the European Commission. Inclusion in the Plan commits toward all works being completed by late 2026;
- Galway: funding has been announced for redevelopment of Ceannt Station and track and station improvements at Oranmore and both projects are scheduled to be completed by 2024;
- Limerick: works are planned to upgrade Colbert Station, while the city’s rail network is under review as part of the development of the metropolitan area transport strategy; and
- Waterford : funding has been announced to support the move of Plunkett Station to a new location on the North Quays.
