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Public Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Questions (166)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

166. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will give priority in the forthcoming all-island rail review to a rail link of quality between Derry and Letterkenny, which are centres with a very high commuter interchange, that would enable further potential growth in the future onto the west of Ireland rather than light rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51841/21]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), is undertaking a Strategic Rail Review which will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the period to 2040.

The Strategic Rail Review will review the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways, and, of particular relevance to the Deputy's question, improved connectivity to the North-West. Issues such as those raised by the Deputy can be considered within the context of the Review process and I do not think it appropriate to prejudge the outcomes of the process.

This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead.  A consultation process is included in the scope of the Review and I understand it is planned to be launched next month.  I would encourage all interested parties to participate in the consultation, when the process is launched.

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