Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
133. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the status of the preparation of the NDP review and the inclusion for a commitment on the development of the western rail corridor within that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43218/21]
View answerDiscussions are ongoing in relation to finalising the National Development Plan (NDP) review and I understand there will be an announcement in that regard in the near future.
I think it is important to highlight the priorities which have shaped my approach to the NDP review and the outcomes that I want to see the revised NDP deliver. I’d like the revised NDP to set the groundwork for the fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland as committed to in the Programme for Government. I also want to see the NDP support the investment needed to support the objectives of the National Planning Framework, particularly in terms of enhanced regional accessibility, strengthened rural communities and compact growth in the five cities. Finally, my view is that the NDP needs to set us on our way to reduce emissions in line with our 2030 and ultimately 2050 ‘net zero’ commitments.
Our ability to deliver on those outcomes will be determined by the allocations we receive as part of the review, but my approach to the review has been framed by these considerations.
The Deputy knows I believe in the potential of rail infrastructure and services. I believe that potential is not currently realised.
That’s why I broadened the terms of reference of what was a proposed high-speed study between Belfast, Dublin and Cork, so that it is now an all-island Strategic Rail Review. This Review will be conducted in co-operation with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive and will examine all aspects of inter-urban and inter-regional rail.
It will set the type of strategic backdrop to rail investment in our regions and on our mainline network that the recent JASPERS Review of the Western Rail Corridor noted was lacking. We need this type of strategic analysis to inform our consideration of specific projects such as the Western Rail Corridor. I very much look forward to the completion of the Strategic Rail Review next year and implementing its recommendations in the coming years, supported by the new NDP.
